TROPHIES won by legendary racehorse trainer Fred Rimell have been stolen from a house near Upton.

Mr Rimell's widow, Mercy, aged 85, confronted a masked raider in the garden during the break-in at the Ryall house.

The haul includes Grand National and Champion Hurdle trophies, as well as jewellery.

The break-in happened on Monday evening between 6.30pm and 7pm.

Thieves ransacked the house before being disturbed and fleeing across fields towards the River Severn.

Mr Rimell, who died in 1981, trained four Grand National winners, a record unequalled until this year.

These included ESB in 1956, Nicolaus Silver in 1961, Gay Trip in 1970 and Rag Trade in 1976. The cup won by Rag Trade, who beat Red Rum, was among the haul.

Also stolen were three equestrian prizes won by Mrs Rimell herself when she was a girl, one of which is a cup over three feet tall. These are of particular sentimental value to Mrs Rimell.

Among the stolen jewellery was Mrs Rimell's diamond engagement ring and a ring with a ruby surrounded by diamonds.

Another ring was specially commissioned by Fred Rimell as a present to his wife, featuring a diamond at its centre surrounded by other diamonds.

A diamond brooch in the shape of a horse was given to Mrs Rimell by a grateful owner after Fred trained his horse to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.

A police spokesman said: "We would very much like to hear from anyone who saw any unusual or suspicious activity in the vicinity of Ryall on Monday evening, or who spotted a car being driven away rapidly from fields, lanes or tracks near Ryall or the Severn at Upton at around 7pm that evening."

Anyone with any information should contact police on 08457 444888, quoting reference 422S/251004, or via the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.