A HEARTBROKEN widow has launched an emotional appeal for the safe return of a missing bag which contained her late husband's belongings.

Joan Tilney, 63, moved out of her home of 40 years in early September, taking with her a large holdall full of treasured memorabilia.

It included clothes that her late husband, Arthur Tilney, wore to the couple's wedding as well as a number of other items from anniversaries and special occasions.

But after settling into her new home, Mrs Tilney was unable to locate the bag and is now desperately urging anyone who knows its whereabouts to get it back to her.

She said: "I'm heartbroken about this – it’s everything to me really. I want it back so badly. I don’t mind how but I want it back with all of my things in.

“I can’t stop thinking about it. I can’t watch TV and I can’t sleep."

Mr Tilney died three years ago following a period of illness. His wife moved to her new home in Hereford on September 2 when all of her belongings were taken to her house by carers from her previous address in Newton Farm.

She remembers seeing the holdall on her kitchen floor under a pile of other things when she moved into the property but has not seen it since and believes it must have been stolen although she does not suspect anyone.

The holdall is described as large, black, made from fabric material and with six straps.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 with incident number 0334S of October 10.