A distraught toy worker from Maidenhead has spoken of her anguish after burglars broke into her home and stole a precious heirloom.

Shocked Sherrie Barrett, 21, of Boyn Valley Road, had been enjoying a night out with friends in Reading on Saturday but returned to a scene of devastation and said her home had been \'ransacked\'.

More than £2,000 worth of goods including an Ipod, TVs and cameras had been taken, but the loss of a small gold and silver chain - passed on from her mother who died this year - has broken Sherrie\'s heart.

"It felt horrible and I felt sick knowing these people had been in my house, going through my stuff is so upsetting."

Sherrie\'s much-loved mum Tracey, 41, died in March  following a year-and-a-half battle with cancer. She and her younger sister Diana, 17, have also suffered from the death of their father Robert eight years ago.

The grieving 21-year-old planned to pass on the gold cross to her half-sister Amber, five, to remember her mother by as she grows up. Sherrie is appealing for its return.

The burglars gained entry to the house through a rear window. Anyone with information should contact DC Paul Morath at Thames Valley Police on 08458 505505.

 Pictured: Sherrie and her sister Diana.