After a number of burglaries near Droitwich, one villager has spoken of her heartbreak at the loss of two precious pieces of jewellery which were stolen in a raid at her home.

Louise Garner, of Berry Lane, Upton Warren, was distraught when she came home last Thursday afternoon to find her home in disarray.

But she was even more upset to discover a gold wedding band had been stolen and a gold, amethyst ring, which had become a family heirloom, was also missing.

"It was my cleaner that first discovered the burglary just before 12.30pm and we later found the thief had gained entry by bashing in the back door," she said.

"A few things were stolen from the house but the most upsetting thing was that they had stolen two precious pieces of jewellery which had significant sentimental value to me after a family bereavement."

One of the missing items was a gold wedding band, slightly misshapen and an oval amethyst ring belonging to her husband's, grandfather's wife. It dated back to the 1930s.

The incident is thought to have taken place between 9am and 12.25pm and Louise is still coming to terms with the shock.

"You go through a multitude of emotions when you realise someone has been through your house," she said. "At first you are angry, then upset that someone has been going through all your personal belongings.

"At one stage I was hysterical. It felt so unfair and I felt victimised. They stole a few things but I would love to have the rings back. They wouldn't mean much to anyone else and they probably wouldn't get a lot for them," she added.

Other items stolen from the house included a flat screen TV, stack stereo system and a lap-top computer.

This is not the first incident in the area.

Police say that there have been half a dozen burglaries in some of the rural areas of Droitwich over the past five months.

A force spokesman said: "There have been a number of burglaries in the Upton Warren and Wychbold area. We would urge residents to ensure they take the necessary precautions to secure their premises."

If anyone saw anything suspicious near the Berry Lane home they are urged to call the police on on 08457 444 888, quoting 116C/061103.