A PRESTON businessman is begging the thieves who stole his dead wife's necklace to return it.

Ted Billington says the gold crucifix and chain had sentimental value and reminded him of happier times before his wife, Elizabeth, died of cancer.

It was a hand-made gift to her 32 years ago as an expression of his love and devotion. His wife had even had it blessed by the pope during a holiday to Rome.

In all that time, Ted claims, his wife never took the necklace off and always talked of it being an heirloom to be passed on through their family.

But, prior to her death late last year, Elizabeth, who ran a lingerie stall on Preston market for ten years, gave the jewellery to her husband for safe keeping and, last week, he decided to wear it.

However, while working at Vanity Pine, Marsh Lane, Ted removed the necklace to untangle the chain that had become twisted.

A customer then came into the shop and Ted put the necklace on a cabinet before being distracted by several phonecalls.

While he was dealing with the calls other people came in and out of the furniture shop and Ted forgot about the necklace. By the time he remembered, the jewellery was gone.

Now he is appealing to whoever stole it to give it back.

"It meant so much to my wife. She was deeply religious and a big catholic," said Ted, who has one grandson.

"She always used to say, 'when I die I want this staying in the family for our three sons'.

"I feel so upset. I'm not interested in who took it or why. I'm simply appealing to them to put themselves in my shoes.

"I've been round dozens of jeweller's and pawn shops to find it.

"The necklace has great sentimental value and I just want it back."

If you can help Ted to trace the necklace call him on 01772 252187.