A DEVASTATED couple are pleading for the return of stolen video tapes which capture magic moments in their baby daughter's life.

Burglars broke into Sheila Cronshaw and Dylan Thomas's home on Treen Road in Tyldesley and took eight tapes capturing important stages in the life of Lydia, their 17-month-old daughter.

The tapes recorded Lydia's first birthday, first Christmas, first holiday and even showed time that Lydia spent in hospital when her mum almost lost her following an emergency Caesarean operation.

Secretary Sheila, aged 37, said: "We are devastated at losing these tapes, which are of no value to anyone but are the most precious thing anyone could steal from us.

Nice record

"Everything is on those tapes. We've filmed every occasion to keep a nice record. The problem is we were hoping to transfer everything on to CDs."

Thieves took the tapes when they broke in through the kitchen window while Sheila and partner Dylan, a construction site manager, were holidaying with his parents in North Wales.

The intruders also snatched a £750 digital video camcorder, a DVD player and jewellery -- including Sheila's engagement ring.

But it is the loss of the irreplaceable tapes of their only child that has upset Sheila and Dylan the most.

Sheila said: "I would like to make an appeal, even if it's a very long shot, for anyone who may come across these tapes, to simply return them to us. We are happy to pay a reward, and will not pursue the matter."

The couple are hoping their run of bad luck has come to an end -- in recent months Sheila's car was stolen in Manchester and Dylan's went missing from Liverpool.

Sheila and Dylan can be contacted on 01942 870393 or 07754 471065.