A BURGLAR with a compassionate streak could have been responsible for returning a stolen necklace after heartbroken parents turned to the BEN for help.

A gold chain belonging to three-year-old Chloe Loughran, pictured, who died of meningitis, was pushed through the letterbox of her dad Francis Loughran's Bolton business, along with a gold bangle bearing Chloe's name and that of her seven-year-old sister Gabriella -- who is seen here wearing the treasured memento.

The father-of-two discovered the jewellery, wrapped in a paper towel and secured by a rubber band, as he prepared to shut up shop on Tuesday night.

And last night Mr Loughran told how his heartbroken wife was delighted at the return of the necklace.

He said: "Since the chain was taken we've hardly slept and Susan has not been able to eat anything.

"When I picked it up I was just overwhelmed. I had always been hopeful that we would get it back but I still couldn't believe it.

"As soon as I had it I rang Susan to tell her. She was so made up. It was like opening a Christmas present.

"I knew that if somebody who had it read the article in the Bolton Evening News it would strike at their heart."

The chain was just one of a number of pieces of jewellery and electrical equipment taken from their Breightmet home following a break-in on Sunday.

The couple still do not know who returned the jewellery but Mr Loughran believes it could have been someone who had bought the Prince of Wales chain and then realised who it belonged to.

He added: "I'm more than impressed by whoever has done this and I just wanted to show my appreciation. We're not bothered about the other stuff that was taken we just wanted this chain back."

Chloe lost her battle for life in February 1995, just days after contracting a form of the killer brain disease.

Now, the unexpected act of kindness means that Susan, aged 30, will be able to wear Chloe's chain as the couple prepare to face the sixth anniversary of their little girl's death later this month.

Susan said: "I've not had it off my neck since we got it back. Gabriella had never seen me upset before and she kept asking me why I was crying. She is as pleased as anyone that we've got Chloe's chain back."

A police spokesman said: "The crime of burglary is a heartless one, but at least either whoever is responsible or whoever may have purchased the chain has had the compassion to return it to this family."