THIEVES have taken a ring worth £350 that was won in a prize draw during last year's Gazette and Herald Bride of the Year contest.

Caroline Baker, 31, of Cepen Park North, Chippenham, won the ring, which was gold and had a diamond setting, at the draw, which took place at the Bride of the Year competition final, which was held at The Angel Hotel, Chippenham last August.

The senior bank negotiator wasn't taking part in the competition herself, but attended the event to support her friends Joanne Gingell and Paul Rosser, who are due to get married later this year, but did not win the competition.

The ring was stolen from The Tanning Shop in New Road, Chippenham, at about 7pm on April 31, after Mrs Baker, who works at Halifax Estate Agents in Calne, had left it there.

Her Pulsar watch was also stolen, after she left both items on a chair during her tanning session.

"I left the shop, went over to my car, realised I'd left my ring and watch behind, and returned to find them missing. I was only gone for about five minutes," she said.

"It seems a bit sad that I won the ring but apparently wasn't meant to have it."

Mrs Baker said she reported the theft to police, but without success.

"I thought there was perhaps a small chance that somebody may have picked the ring up and handed it in," she said.

Anyone with information about the stolen ring, or watch, is urged to call Chippenham police on (01249) 654455.