A FOUR-year-old girl faces growing up without some of her dead father's most treasured possessions after thieves snatched them from her home.

Distraught mum Cherry Cross, of Glory Mill Lane, Wooburn Green, contacted the Free Press to plead for the return of the items, which include a gold crucifix and a watch, so her daughter, Chanell, can keep the memory of her father alive.

The 25-year-old, whose husband died almost one-and-a-half years ago, aged just 26, said: "I'm totally devastated. These are some of the only memories we've got left. It's a sensitive thing to come and grab his stuff. It's just blown the bottom out of everything."

Cherry was out with her daughter Chanell when the thieves struck sometime before 5.10pm on Saturday.

The offenders smashed Cherry's letterbox before breaking into her home and rummaging through family boxes containing personal keepsakes and jewellery. Among the other possessions belonging to Cherry's french husband, Stoyanne Lemoussu, thieves also stole a decorative knife.

Cherry, who along with Chanell has received counselling to deal with her husband's death, believes the crime was committed by youths who neighbours saw hanging around near the house.

She added: "Most of the stuff taken is not worth anything to anyone. I just want the stuff that belonged to my husband back. "

Thames Valley Police spokesman Kate Spark said: "Personal items of great sentimental value are irreplaceable. We appeal for anyone with any information to contact police."

Witnesses should call Marlow police on 01494 465888