A FAMILY'S Cavalier lifestyle is under threat after the theft of battle re-enactment costumes that took 20 years to collect.

The Ward family are members of the English Civil War Society and travel all over the country re-enacting clashes between the Roundheads and Cavaliers.

But civil engineer Stephen Ward, 44, was devastated when he discovered that his family's entire collection of 17th Century period costumes, including leather britches, helmets and powder flasks had been stolen.

The clothes had been in a locked trailer parked in the drive of their home on Lows Barn Bank, near Neville's Cross, Durham, which was stolen in the early hours of Tuesday.

Mr Ward said: "We've been members of the English Civil War Society for nearly 20 years and it has taken that long to collect everything. You start off with a shirt and jacket and work up from there."

The clothes stolen had been in ten wicker baskets and were handmade by Mr Ward's wife, Margaret.

As well as shoes, shirts, socks and bandoleer collars, items taken also included period toys such as wooden drums and hobby horses and two canvas tents.

Some of the items taken belonged to the couple's two teenage children, Alex, 15, and Peter, 13.

Mr Ward said: "The things are probably of little monetary value, but they are irreplaceable.

"It is something the whole family does. In summer, we get home on Friday night, hitch up the trailer and set off for a battle re-enactment, so we have all been affected by this."

Luckily, the muskets and swords used in the re-enactments of the battles were all stored elsewhere.

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Durham Police on 0191-386 4222 or, anonymously, CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.