A JEWELLER has stepped in to solve a 43-year-old mystery and replace a lost family heirloom.

Martin and Pat Crabtree searched in vain for over a year to try to replace a solid silver pendant necklace featuring a model of Darwen Tower after it was stolen from their house during a break-in.

The necklace was given to Mrs Crabtree, now 54, by her aunt on her 11th birthday before she moved from her home in Greenway Street, Darwen, to Halifax.

The couple could find out no more about its origins because Mrs Crabtree's aunt died some time ago.

In desperation, Mr Crabtree contacted the Lancashire Telegraph, who made inquiries.

And Jonathan Whitehead, of Gold and Times Jewellers in Darwen Market, had the answers he had been looking for.

Only one mould of the Jubilee Tower pendant had ever existed, and it had been missing for years until Mr Whitehead rediscovered it at a Manchester jewellers 18 months ago and reintroduced limited edition gold and silver pendants to his range.

Mr Crabtree, 51, said: "I ordered one as soon as I found out.

"It's lovely, words fail me really. We'd been looking for the pendant for so long and hit so many brick walls.

"The original one had sentimental value, but we're really pleased that we've been able to find a replacement.

"My wife is over the moon. She was distraught when we found out it was stolen, so she is really looking forward to seeing the replacement.

"I'm going to give it to her for her birthday in a few months' time."

Mr Whitehead said: "The pendant is quite famous in Darwen, particularly with our older residents.

"It's a shame that Mr Crabtree couldn't get his hands on the original but the model we produce today will be the same.

"I'm pleased we've been able to help."