THIEVES who raided a Park South garage stole a chess set worth up to £5,000 depicting the English Civil War.

The raid on the garage in Ripon Way came after the thieves forced their way in.

They took Bosche electric and battery drills, a Bosche router, a Black and Decker planer, an electric Flymo lawnmower and even a screwdriver. But it is the loss of a unique chess set depicting the Battle of Naseby, made from English wood and valued at between £3,500 and £5,000, which is most upsetting to householder George Taylor.

Mr Taylor, 54, a maintenance fitter, said: "Four of the main figures are of a Charles Stadden Company design, painted by a top modelling artist called Peter Davis.

"The rest are also quality lead figures. My brother, who is 71 now, had it made in the mid-1980s.

"He likes his history and he and Peter were friends so it was created after a discussion about Oliver Cromwell coming to power."

Anyone who has been offered the missing items for sale, or has information, is urged to call PC Rick Barnes on Swindon 528111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

The raid happened at some time between 6.30am and 8pm on March 7, although details have only just been released.