A woman is desperate for the return of a family heirloom stolen from her handbag.

Marie Hall, 35, of Surrey Avenue, Leigh, was shopping in Southend High Street when a crook dipped into her bag and stole her purse.

Inside was a small cushion that had belonged to Mrs Hall's grandmother before she died two years ago, aged 91. The pink cushion is worth no money, but its sentimental value is priceless.

Mrs Hall said: "It's an inch-square little pink cushion with the letter N embroidered on it. My nan's name was Ellen, but everyone used to call her Nell.

"I'm not sure where it came from. It was something personal from my nan I could carry around with me all the time. I remember it being on her dressing table ever since I was a little girl."

Mrs Hall believes the thief may have struck as she walked between Woolworths and Primark during a shopping trip.

The purse also contained £35 and photos of her children, but it is the cushion that holds the most value.

She said: "It is irreplaceable. The pictures of the children and the money can be replaced, but losing this little cushion has upset me the most.

"I would love to have it back. It would mean a lot. It means nothing to anyone else, but it has immense sentimental value to me. I loved my nan so much. I miss her a lot."

Mrs Hall believes the small cushion may have been discarded by the thief and has urged anyone who may have found it to telephone her on 07955 484136.