A PENSIONER has been left devastated after a burglar stole precious First World War memorabilia from her home.

Medals belonging to Florence Anderson were taken along with a stash of jewellery when they raided her Exeter flat.

The 70-year-old has appealed directly to the thief to return the war medals, which belonged to her grandfather and have huge sentimental value.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the incident and are appealing for any information about the stolen items.

Mrs Anderson is desperate to be reunited with the precious medals, but fears she may never see them again.

A number of rings were also stolen, including some which belonged to her father.

"I'm not holding my breath about getting them back," said the grandmother-of-eight. "I think the medals are gone and the rings are in the melting pot."

She added: "If the thief who took them is reading this, please will you give them back – they are very sentimental to me.

"I wouldn't say there is anything of particular value, but I would very much like to have them back as they are precious to me."

Mrs Anderson's grandfather was awarded the medals for his service in the Army during the First World War. The two medals are described as being silver and bronze and one or both of them are inscribed with Charles E Wood.

Mrs Anderson added: "My next-door neighbour saw the thief, who told my neighbour he was my gardener. Well, I live in a flat and don't have a garden. He got in through my bathroom window."

Detective Constable Matt Burnell, of Exeter's burglary team, said: "He had opened drawers and rifled through her belongings.

"This burglary has been very upsetting for the victim, who places a lot of sentimental value on the items stolen. I would appeal to anyone who may have any information about the thefts or the offender directly to contact police so that these items can be returned to their owner."

Anyone with any information can contact police on 08452 777444, quoting DE/10/648, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.