BURGLARS raided the empty home of an ex-Accrington Stanley player after he died and made off with cherished football memorabilia.

The family of Jack Ash, who played for the Reds between 1935 and 1946, today appealed for the return of the photographs, which they say have little cash value but untold sentimental worth.

Mr Ash, said to be a tough tackling centre-half in his day, died in April aged 91 after he contracted pneumonia.

His home, in Burnley Road, Accrington, was left empty while his family tied-up his affairs.

But some time between last Thursday and Saturday, burglars broke into the house and stole the Accrington Stanley memorabilia and other 'antique-like' items.

Mr Ash's son-in-law, Frank Haworth, also of Burnley Road, said: "We don't know how much they were worth, but I know the photos meant a lot to him. He loved his football memories.

"The burglars must have known the house was empty.

"We have packed all his stuff in boxes and taken it out of there after the burglary, so there is nothing else to steal.

"I would like anyone who has these items to return them to the police as they really do mean a lot to us."

Mr Ash first played for Habburn, where he came from in the North East, and was signed by the Reds on November 12, 1935.

He only made 29 appearances for Accrington Stanley's first team, but lost six years because of the Second World War.

Mr Ash's career ended after he broke a leg playing against Chorley in a cup match in 1945. He later became a foreman at an engineering firm in Accrington.

The photos stolen were precious mementos of training sessions taken in the late 1930s and of the Football League's 50th anniversary banquet in 1938.

Wedgwood paperweights, Enid Blyton books and an oriental tea set were also taken.

Detective Sergeant Ian Critchley said: "I would like to appeal for information from anybody offered the property or who is aware of this."

Anyone with any information regarding this crime is asked to call Accrington CID on 01254 353741.