NEARLY £20,000-worth of antique silver, gold and jewellery was stolen by raiders who smashed their way into a historic hall.

Thieves climbed up to first floor level and knocked a hole through the wall to by-pass the burglar alarm at Samlesbury Hall.

The haul included diamond jewellery, silver tea-sets and golden goblets. The antiques were being sold at the hall on behalf of collectors, mainly local people.

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