BURGLARS who ransacked a couple's home took a video record of their daughter's early years.

Leanne Baxter and her partner Paul Irvine, of Maria Street, Darwen, lost £5,000 worth of property in the break-in.

But they were devasatetd when they realised a video camera and bag containing film of their three-year-old daughter Ella's first Christmas and first birthday, as well as a wedding ring belonging to Paul's grandfather, had gone.

They are now appealing for help in tracking down the items and are urging people to get in touch if they find them.

Leanne, 25, a part-time nursery nurse, said: "We can live without the jewellery and the TV but the other things can't be replaced.

"There were about five cassettes in the bag, probably with about two hours of film on each.

"It had my daughter's christening on, her first Christmas and birthdays, as well as holidays.

"I don't think we will get it back because they've probably just been thrown away but someone might find them.

"My partner is also upset because his grandad only died about a year ago and he was left his wedding ring, which was a gold band.

"That's been stolen with the other jewellery and it's obviously upsetting with it still being quite recent.

"We can buy other jewellery again but the ring and a couple of other items that I got for my 18th and 21st are irreplaceable. We'd really like them back."

The couple were staying at builder Paul's parents in Parbold on the night of the burglary, last Monday, when thieves broke in through a back door and ransacked the house.

DC Cathy Robertshaw, of Darwen CID, said: "The thieves searched upstairs and down before escaping with property worth £5,200, including a passport, keys, cameras, computer games, videos, jewellery.

"It is a large amount and we would like to hear from anyone with information about the incident or the stolen property."

Anyone who can help should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353841.