A PIECE of Black Country history and unique family heirloom has been stolen from a house in Netherton.

Police are appealing for information following the theft of a mayoral chain of office from a house on Ballard Road in February 5.

Raiders broke into the property and took the chain which is engraved with the words Mrs Percox - Walsall’s lady Mayoress in 1946, as well a scash and other jewellery.

The stolen item had been presented to the owner’s grandmother and had been in the family ever since.

Detective Constable Jodie Cox, from Dudley CID, said: "The stolen holds great sentimental value to the family and is irreplaceable.

"It is an important piece in the history of Walsall and the Black Country and we are appealing to anyone who has any information that can aid our investigation to call me.

"I have been speaking to jewellers and second hand stores to make them aware of the theft and they will be calling me or one of my team if anyone tries to sell this on.

"This chain will be extremely difficult to sell on or make money from and I would urge anyone who knows of its whereabouts to call the police on 101."

People can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.