THIEVES made off with a pensioner's model train collection worth thousands of pounds.

The victim, a man in his 80s, had spent years accumulating the collection of Rolls-Royce Franklin Mint Precision models and Bachmann Brassworks locomotives.

Swindon Advertiser:

One of the stolen locos Picture: GLOUCESTERSHIRE CONSTABULARY

Burglars struck at some time between New Year's Eve and 11.15am on New Year's Day, smashing their way into his house on Elmgrove Road East, Hardwicke, Gloucestershire. 

A spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: "Jewellery was also stolen in the burglary and officers are appealing for anyone who has seen these items for sale, or has any information which could help with enquiries, to contact police."

Anyone with information should call police on 101.