AN ELDERLY couple have spoken of their heartbreak after burglars broke into their home and stole an antique clock, Regency tea-table and a Georgian knee-hole desk.

Although the antique furniture is worth a considerable sum, the victims say they much more concerned about the family mementos that were in the desk when it was stolen.

The couple, from Collier Street, near Maidstone, say the desk contained family photographs, diaries dating from 1956, and a whole series of letters written home by their daughter when she went round the world for two years.

Their one hope is that the thieves may have dumped the personal effects which have no value to anyone but the family. They are appealing to anyone who discovers a pile of old photographs and letters not to ignore it, but to get in touch with the police.

The thieves struck just before 4pm last Thursday while the family had gone out shopping. A neighbour heard the alarm and went round to the house in time to confront the thieves loading the furniture into a small blue car. They were described as three big men, one of whom had a bandage or plaster cast on his left arm.

Anyone with any information about the burglary or who finds the missing property should contact DC Kyla Worrell on 01622 608045.