AN Exmouth great-grandmother is appealing to the callous thief who stole her late mother s wedding ring and a haul of other precious jewellery to return the gems.

AN Exmouth great-grandmother is appealing to the callous thief who stole her late mother's wedding ring and a haul of other precious jewellery to return the gems.

Jean Walters, 74, of Littlemead Lane, was recently holidaying in France with her husband, Fred, 83, when a burglar stole �6,000 worth of jewellery from her home.

The great-grandmother-of-two is desperate for the safe return of three of her mum's rings - including her platinum wedding ring - and also jewellery given to her by her husband to mark landmark anniversaries.

Mrs Walters, who has been married to her husband for 51 years, was told the news of the break-in when her daughter joined the family on holiday.

She said much of the jewellery, dating back to the 1950s, had sentimental value and was the result of more than five decades of family life and presents.

Among the stash of 21 items stolen were irreplaceable trinkets from Mrs Walter's mother's charm bracelet.

A single ruby earring left from a pair given by Mr Walters to his wife to mark the couple's 40th wedding anniversary - destined to be made into a pendant - has also gone.

Mrs Walters said: "I would like whoever did this to know how upset I am. But I suppose anyone who is cold-hearted enough to do this doesn't really care.

"I am angry more than anything that people can be so cruel.

"And I am upset at the thought that someone has come into my house."

Detective Pete Boorn, of Exmouth CID, appealed for help tracing the thief.