DESPERATE break-in victim Angela Dilks is hoping an appeal in the Congleton GUARDIAN will prove the key in finding precious pictures and contact lenses.

The family snaps and lenses were stolen from Mrs Dilks' Congleton home on Monday night while the family were asleep upstairs.

The photographs were taken on holiday in Blackpool, and the specially-made contact lenses are vital for Mrs Dilks when driving to work.

She is hoping a member of the public might discover her stolen handbag, purse and lenses in a garden or hedge.

"I do a round trip of 86 miles to work in Oldham every day, and use my lenses to drive," said Mrs Dilks, of Bowness Court.

"The lenses are specially made, and I will have to wait two weeks for new ones to arrive."

The burglars broke in through patio doors, and also stole cash, a camera containing the holiday snaps, three personal organisers and credit cards.

The handbag is black with long straps and a silver badge, and the contact lenses are stored in a blue case.

"The lenses are of no value or use to the burglars, and I hope they have been thrown away and someone may see the case when out walking their dog," said Mrs Dilks.

Anyone who can help please ring Mrs Dilks on 01260 280769.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.