Jack House with his few remaining rosettes. PLOUGHMEN are being urged to rally round 82-year-old champion Jack House after thieves took all his harnesses and equipment.

A handful of rosettes is all the pensioner has left following last Wednesday's raid at Dairy Farm in Quidhampton, where more than 1,000 prizes and certificates were also snatched, along with valuable horse brasses.

The theft has shocked the Society of Ploughmen which is appealing to its members to help out.

"This is appalling," said assistant secretary Sue Frith. We'll put something in our newsletter to see if there's anything anyone can do - Jack has been competing for years."

Alan Mullen from the South West Agricultural Preservation Society said: "Jack is a national treasure. There is no one like him and this is heartbreaking.

"We need to appeal to anyone who can help him continue to plough because it will be tragic if he has to give up now."

Mr House, of Wilton, had a busy schedule of events and competitions lined up, culminating in the national championships in October.

But unless he can replace the stolen tack, collars and harness, he will be unable to take part.

"I'd won lots of matches with that harness - it was very old," he said. But I can't plough without it. I've kept it at the farm for 34 years and never had any trouble before.

"Ploughing has always been my hobby and I would really miss it."

Equally disappointed will be Mr House's heavy horses Captain and Punch.

"They know when we're off to a competition and get very excited," he said.

Almost all of the prizes Mr House won throughout his career, including a treasured rosette from the Royal Show, were stored in a wooden trunk ransacked during the robbery.

"I can't ever replace those, they had lots of sentimental value and included my first ever rosette," he said. "I don't know what they're going to do with them - they aren't worth anything to anybody except me."

Anyone who witnessed the break-in, which happened between 11am and 2pm, are urged to contact PC Pete Jung of Wilton police on 01722 742101. If you are able to help Mr House return to ploughing, contact the Salisbury Journal on 01722 426508.