A COLNE woman and her family returned from holiday to find their home had been ransacked.

Blackburn magistrates heard priceless items, including a 100-year-old wedding ring that had belonged to her grandma and a Blue Peter Badge the woman had earned as a child, were taken in the high value burglary.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the victim was deeply shocked by the incident and planned to sell her home in which she no longer felt safe.

"Many of the items stolen were of great sentimental value, things that belonged to her mother and grandmother which can never be replaced," said Miss Allan.

Darren Sweeney, 48, of Fir Street, Nelson, pleaded guilty to burglary at a house on Skipton Road. He was committed in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced.

Miss Allan said there was broken glass on the floor and an untidy search had been made of the whole house. As well as sentimental items, £1,600 in cash and other jewellery had been stolen.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client had admitted what he had done and accepted he would ultimately receive a custodial sentence.