Thieves have stolen a gold watch given by an elderly man to his wife nearly 30 years ago.

Clarence Jobling, 74, said the lady's watch had been a present to his wife Thelma.

It was taken along with money from the couple's home in Stockton on Sunday evening.

Mr Jobling, a retired relief operator at the former British Chrome and Chemicals plant at Urlay Nook, near Stockton, said the gift was to commemorate 25 years of service at the site.

He said: "I was offered the chance by the company to receive a gift but I decided to get something for Thelma.

"It was the first time I'd ever been able to give her a decent present.

"We went to a jewellers in Stockton to pick the watch.

"It cost around £90 which, at the time, was still a lot of money."

Thieves broke into the couple's home in Billingham Road, Norton, after smashing the kitchen window at the back of the house.

As well as the watch, they made off with nearly £300 in foreign cash and travellers cheques.

They also stole about £25 in small change.

The couple returned home from a day out in York on Sunday at about 7pm and became suspicious after noticing the front door had been tampered with.

Mrs Jobling, 70, said: "It's very distressing for me. I'm trying not to think about it too much because it upsets me a great deal.

"I had no sleep last night for worrying."

Police said the thieves had stolen "jewellery, cash and memories" from the elderly couple and appealed for anyone who was offered the watch to contact police.

The watch has a gold strap with hearts in the links and is engraved with Mrs Jobling's surname and initials and the dates 1952-1977.

Anyone with information about the theft can contact Cleveland Police on (01642) 302226.