A PENSIONER is grieving after thieves stole a valuable gold watch from her Trowbridge home.

Eileen Fryer, 70, of Manor Road, was given the watch, thought to be worth £7-800, to reward her 25 years service at Trowbridge firm Bowyers.

Thieves broke into the house where Mrs Fryer lives with husband Victor, 71, after popping open their sliding patio door.

The burglars searched through the house, but only took a man's watch and Mrs Fryer's long service reward.

The solid gold watch has the inscription 'Presented to EJ Fryer in recognition of 25 years service at Bowyers' on the back.

Mrs Joyce said: "I just want the watch back. It has great sentimental value to me of what I've worked for.

"It's not a very nice sort of thing to happen. The watch has a very small face, about the size of a new penny.

"Many Bowyers employees received them. After 25 years service we had the choice of a watch or a set of cutlery."

Anyone with information should call PC Robert McLellan 1090 at Trowbridge police station on (01225) 763101.