A TREASURED British Empire Medal was stolen from a widowed pensioner when her Whalley home was raided, a court was told.

Burnley Crown Court heard the medal had been awarded to the 88-year-old victim's late husband and in her view was "priceless."

The medal, along with jewellery of sentimental value, was snatched from the woman's home in Limefield Avenue in January.

Culprit Mark Jackson was caught by officers trying to get away from the house, after he was knocked down by a police car in his hurry. The stolen haul was recovered.

Jackson, 30, who also took part in an attempted break-in in Melling Court, Colne, with teenager Robert Robson, 19, was jailed for three and a half years.

Sentencing, Judge Gillian Ruaux told father of three Jackson that the medal was "mercifully recovered," and she accepted the defendant did not target an elderly lady.

The judge added Jackson had a previous conviction for an attack on an old people's home in which staff were attacked and locked in a room.

Jackson, of Cloverhill Road, Nelson, admitted burglary, attempted burglary and handling stolen goods. Robson, of Chapelhouse Road, Nelson, pleaded guilty to attempted burglary.

Father of one Robson was given 100 hours community punishment and 12 months community rehabilitation, to include alcohol counselling and the Think First programme.