TREASURED family heirlooms have been stolen from a grieving Australian woman as she travelled through Preston after her mother's funeral.

Police believe the thousands of pounds-worth of ornate items, which have sentimental value, could have been stolen from the woman by someone living in Preston.

They were taken as she travelled on the 9.25am train from Barrow, via Preston, on Wednesday, July 7.

The train arrived in Preston at 11am.

Included in the haul were a heavy golf charm bracelet, two woven effect gold bracelets, a gold gate bracelet, a gold pulsar quartz ladies watch, a very old silver watch, a St Christopher medallion, a pair of St Christopher drop earrings, a large antique garnet and gold cluster ring, as well as several other rings and charms.

Although the items are worth a lot of money, British Transport Police say it is their sentimental value which has caused the family so much upset.

DC Mark Bowman said: "The family are greatly upset and distraught about the loss of these items and as a result there is a substantial reward for information leading to the recovery of all of the items.

"The woman had collected the items after her mother's funeral and was making her way home at the time.

"I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the British Transport Police on 0800 405040.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.