POLICE are making a renewed appeal to trace a distinctive item of stolen jewellery which has sentimental value for its owners.

The regimental brooch of the 14/20 Kings Hussars was stolen from a home in Burneston, near Bedale, North Yorkshire, sometime between December 15 and 22.

The brooch, which is nine-carat gold and set with a diamond, two sapphires, a ruby and an enamelled crown, is valued at several thousand pounds.

PC Quita Passmore said: “The Kings Hussars brooch is of great personal value to its rightful owners. The theft has caused them a great deal of anguish.

“I urge anyone who can help to identify the burglars or may have seen the brooch since it was stolen to contact the police as soon as possible.”

The burglars also stole an art deco white gold pendant set with many diamonds and a sapphire, a nine- carat gold ring with a mounted blue topaz stone, a set of pearls stitched onto pink ribbons, a Baccarat pink heart pendant on a black silk rope, a nine-carat gold set jade ring, a nine-carat gold engagement ring set with three diamonds, wedding rings, gold earrings and bracelets.

Contact police on 101, select option two and ask for Quita Passmore. Alternatively information can be emailed to quita.passmore@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.