A PENSIONER is appealing for the return of a treasured diary which details the births, deaths and marriages of many Walshaw people over an 80-year period.

The precious red diary, described as smaller than an envelope, was inside a handbag stolen from the elderly woman's home in Scobell Street last week.

The diary, which dates back to the 1920s, was used by the pensioner and her sister to chronicle the births, deaths and marriages of people they knew and grew up with.

The niece of the owner said: "My aunt isn't bothered about getting the handbag or her purse back, just the diary.

"A man called at her house and stole the items while he was inside. My aunt is very upset."

She added: "The thief may have slung the diary out of the window of his car.

"If he did, then we would be very grateful if anyone who finds it could return it."

Anyone discovering the diary is asked to hand it into Ramsbottom police station.