A HEARTBROKEN pensioner is appealing for the return of a sentimental string of rosary beads stolen from his wife's grave.

Richard Meeson, aged 79, of Holly Grove, Leigh, was furious when he last visited wife Gladys's plot in Leigh Cemetery and discovered the precious beads and a small wind chime had vanished from her headstone.

The 60-year-old brown, wooden beads had been placed around a statue in the Catholic section of the cemetery.

It was erected after she died from cancer two years ago at the age of 72.

Richard said: "The beads were given to Gladys at her confirmation service at the Xll Apostles' Church when she was 14 and she carried them at our wedding ceremony 50 years ago at St Joseph's RC Church, Leigh.

"They meant so much to us. I want whoever took these items to understand the heartache such an act has caused.

"I visit her grave every day when it is not raining to sit and be close to her and the items, which are of great nostalgic value went missing sometime last week.

"If anyone knows of their whereabouts I would ask them to consider leaving them at the Manchester Road cemetery office, anonymously or otherwise."