AN engagement ring, eternity ring and war medal have been stolen from the home of an elderly York couple only days before their diamond wedding.

Great-grandparents John, 86, and Brenda Avery, 84 – who celebrate 60 years of marriage tomorrow – have been left devastated after her rings and his war medal were taken in a night time break in while they slept their home in the Leeman Road area.

Mr Avery waited 60 years to receive the “Bevin Boy” medal for his work as a conscripted miner, keeping power stations and munitions factories going during the Second World War.

Police have called the burglary “utterly despicable” as it would have been obvious the thieves were stealing from elderly victims.

Mr Avery has appealed for anyone who knows where the possessions are to return them.

He said: “The medal is the only thing I have from that time. It took 60 years to be recognised and had to come from the Queen.

“If you know where the medal or the rings are, please let us have them back. They are so sentimental – you can’t put a price on them.”

The items were among other items taken from a bag at the house. Former Nestle worker Mr Avery also believes the receipt from the couple’s honeymoon in Blackpool may also have been among the items taken.

The couple’s relatives have scoured shops in York that they thought the rings and medal may have been sold to and have searched the surrounding area for any abandoned bags.

The gold engagement ring has three small diamonds and the eternity ring is a gold band with red, white and blue stones set in it.

Their daughter Angela Lancaster said: “I have gone from being angry to being really sad. It’s awful to see them going through this.

“It’s frightening to think they were in bed. At least they weren’t hurt, it could have been worse.”

The family have thanked the police for their support.

PC Hayley Rowbotham, of York Police, said: “This is an utterly despicable burglary.

“It must have been obvious to the callous thieves that they were stealing from elderly and vulnerable victims. This heartless crime left the couple shaken by the experience.

“If you can help identify those responsible, I urge you to come forward and contact the police straight away.”