A MINISTER has appealed for the return of a collection of precious bibles stolen in a smash and grab raid at Howe Bridge Crematorium.

The Rev Susan Whitehead returned to her car after scattering ashes with a family at 1.30pm last Wednesday, to find her car window smashed and her black briefcase containing five bibles and her handbag and its contents missing.

The bibles, which are mementoes of important stages in her life, are irreplaceable. One was her grandfather's from the 1920's, one marked her 21st birthday, one her 1970 wedding, and one her ordination in 2002.

Mrs Whitehead, who is in charge of Bedford, Astley and Tyldesley Methodist Churches, said she could not have been away from her lilac-coloured Citroen Xara which was parked on the crematorium car park for more than 10 minutes.

She said: "There were five bibles in all, one contained pressed flowers from my parents' funeral wreaths, all things that cannot be replaced. If anyone finds them I hope they will be kind enough to return them to me."

She can be contacted on 01942 882160.