A daughter has been reunited with her late father’s war medals after they were stolen.

Anne Hazeldine cried with happiness on Friday last week when she was presented with the treasured badges of honour which were taken from her home in Penenden Heath.

Thieves broke into the house the 66-year-old shares with husband Leonard, 69, last month, and ransacked every room.

Another homeowner in the quiet road told detectives a man wearing a hooded top had knocked on her door around the same time as the break-in.

Mrs Hazeldine had gone to collect her granddaughter from school and Mr Hazeldine was volunteering as a driver for Voluntary Action Maidstone.

Mrs Hazeldine said: “They turned the place completely upside down. It took us a while to realise what had actually been taken as it was such a mess.

“We’ve worked so hard to make our home pretty but they didn’t give us, the owners, a second thought.”

Bradley Richmond, of no fixed abode, was arrested on suspicion of the offence on Wednesday, February 4. The 19-year-old pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court.

Officers recovered several items at addresses in Medway and the Isle of Sheppey belonging to Mr and Mrs Hazeldine, including the Second World War decorations which were awarded to the mother-of-two’s father, James Oliver, for his service with the Royal Horse Artillery.

A gold watch, a laptop and an iPod were also recovered.

Mrs Hazeldine, a complementary therapist, said: “These are the first tears I’ve shed as I think I’ve been in shock, but I’m so happy to have my father’s medals back. They are priceless.”

The couple’s passports are still missing, as are the grandmother-of-four’s wedding and engagement rings.

PC Tim Murrell said: “We know how burglary can have devastating consequences for victims and we remain totally dedicated to doing all we can to reduce these offences and bring those responsible to justice.

“When we are able to find stolen property and eventually reunite it with the victims, it gives our team a great sense of satisfaction. Being able to return Mr and Mrs Hazeldine’s medals is an example of this.”

To view photos of unidentified property seized by police, see the Is It Yours? section on www.kent.police.uk