POLICE have recovered exclusive jewellery worth about £60,000 that was stolen from a couple's village home.

The collection, which includes a woman's Rolex watch worth £18,000 and a man's watch worth £12,000, was stolen from the Country Teashop, in Staindrop, County Durham, on Monday, July 8.

One piece, a woman's 18-carat gold watch, studded with 32 diamonds and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, is one of only two in the world. The other is owned by former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.

Owners Michael and Susan Melton, who moved to the Teesdale village just weeks before the raid on their home, were delighted to get their jewellery back.

At the time Mrs Melton, 44, told The Northern Echo that many of the items stolen were special gifts, which were not only worth a considerable sum of money, but had great sentimental value.

Detective Sergeant Sean Jackson, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: "I know Mr and Mrs Melton are overjoyed at the return of their property."

Police investigating the theft have questioned a Darlington man and expect to put charges in the next two weeks.