ART experts have been enlisted by police to help to track down an oil painting of a mystery woman worth thousands of pounds.

The painting, titled Portrait of a Lady, was one of several items stolen from a large detached house on the outskirts of Tanfield Village, near Stanley.

The picture, valued for inheritance assessment reasons at £6,000 but possibly worth more, was taken on the night of Sunday, June 9, and Monday, June 10.

Stanley police have contacted art dealers and other experts across the area to put them on the alert.

The burglars also stole a blue and white satsuma dish worth £250 as well as gardening equipment. They also took an antique carriage clock but that was later recovered from a nearby field.

The painting was signed by artist Wilson Steer, and has been in the family since the 1950s.

It was bought for the current owner by her parents as a wedding present from a London art gallery although the identity of the lady in the picture is unknown.

The work of art is thought to have been produced in the early twentieth century and is encased in a gilt frame.

Anyone with any information is asked to telephone Stanley police on (01207) 232144 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Callers to Crimestoppers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.