A DISTRAUGHT couple today spoke of their determination to enjoy Christmas - even though thieves made off with a lifetime's worth of jewellery and scores of presents.

A DISTRAUGHT couple today spoke of their determination to enjoy Christmas - even though thieves made off with a lifetime's worth of jewellery and scores of presents.

Doug and Yvonne Wade were left in shock after they returned to their Queenscliffe Road, Ipswich home and discovered ransacked drawers, looted Christmas presents and an emptied drinks cabinet.

It is thought that a staggering £28,000 worth of goods was stolen from their home - including Christmas presents bought for the couple's family, the engagement ring Mrs Wade got when she was 17, a watch and chain left to Mr Wade by his father and jewellery left to Mrs Wade by her aunt.

Two cameras, a video camera, alcohol and even chocolates and tins of sweets were also taken.

But even though Mrs Wade, 61, now wants to move house, she said: "Hopefully we won't let it affect our Christmas because otherwise they will have won.

"We have six grandchildren, aged from eight to 20, and we have always made a big thing of Christmas. We didn't have a lot when we were younger so we want to make it special for them."

The burglary happened on Monday afternoon while the couple were out.

When they returned they realised their home had been ransacked.

Mrs Wade said: "I drove into the garage and my husband was beckoning me. He had a very serious look on his face and said we had been done big time."

Mr Wade, who is celebrating his 63rd birthday today, said he was "totally devastated and absolutely shell-shocked".

He said: "Two years ago I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Everything is now fine but I feel as devastated now as I did then. The worst thing about it is the intrusion.

"The money is the least important thing, what is important are the memories those things gave us. How do you put a price on sentimental things?"

Mrs Wade added: "My husband is really upset about his father's watch. His father was hard up, but never parted with that watch. I am most upset about my jewellery because I can't replace that."

Mrs Wade added that she had been buying the Christmas presents throughout the year and had started wrapping before going on holiday in October.

The burglary is thought to have happened between 11.55am and 5pm.

Police believe more than one offender may have been involved and want to hear from anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the area around this time.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.