BURGLARS ransacked the home of a 99-year-old woman while she was out dancing.

Jewellery of sentimental value, including watches, was taken during the raid, which happened at her home in Westhoughton last Friday.

Detectives today appealed for help in tracing the offenders.

Inspector Simon Miskell of Bolton West Area Policing Team said: "This incident has knocked the victim for six."

He added: "The victim is a very strong and independent woman. She catches the bus into Westhoughton every week to go shopping and is remarkably spritely for her age.

"The money that could be made by selling these watches is nothing compared to the tremendous sentimental value they hold. I would appeal to the person or people who did this to search their consciences and consider the distress their criminal actions have caused."

Burglars broke in to the house by forcing open a downstairs window sometime before 10pm. Among the items stolen was nine carat gold wrist watch with an expandable gold bracelet made by a company called Hallett, given to the victim by her uncle in the 1920s.

A gold wrist watch with a safety chain which was a gift to the woman from her mother was also stolen, together with a modern ladies Waltham watch. The watch has small diamonds around the face and part of the face can be removed and exchanged.

Other items stolen included a mans gold watch, cash and a silver Nikon AF250 camera. The woman's grandson, Bill Johnson, said: This Crime has left my grandmother extremely shaken. For her to lose her treasured possessions in this manner is devastating and I appeal for anyone who has any information that could lead to their recovery to contact the police.

Call 0161 856 5686 or 0161 856 5749 if you can help. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.