THIEVES have ransacked the home of Bolton's famous steeplejack, Fred Dibnah.

The burglary at the house, in Radcliffe Road, Bolton, was discovered last Saturday.

Burglars smashed through a back window to gain entry into the house, while Fred's widow, Shelia, was out collecting money for the Fred Dibnah memorial fund.

Items taken included brass and copper pieces collected by Fred over the years.

The thieves tipped out drawers, ransacked the three bedrooms upstairs and tore through the living room and dining room in their search for items to steal.

Clothes were strewn across the floor and the burglars went into the loft and also ransacked that.

Mrs Dibnah, who is still grieving, today spoke of her shock and disgust that someone could target the home of her much-loved husband.

She said: "There is never a good time for a burglary, but so near to Christmas.

"Last year, Christmas was upsetting without Fred and now this. I am in shock, I am so upset. It is just devastating."

Mrs Dibnah appealed for anyone with information to contact the police. She said: "Fred was like a magpie and collected everything. I am still trying to find out exactly what was taken, but I have so far compiled a comprehensive list.

"It looks like they have gone for the old things like brass boiler plaques and copper plates.

"These things together are not worth an awful lot but with the name of Fred attached to them, they can fetch a lot more.

"So please, if anybody is approached by someone selling items like this, who they claimed belonged to Fred, please contact the police."

Mrs Dibnah said security at the house would be stepped up following the break-in.

She said: "My family and I are at the house all the time, but we will certainly spending money to make the house more secure to deter other heartless, evil people.

"Fred was a much-loved character - this burglary has upset a lot of people.

"We want to keep these things to share with everyone.

"There is talk of turning the house into a heritage centre."

Fred died two years ago and a campaign is under way to establish a lasting tribute to the man who won the hearts of people across the country.

A police spokesman said: "It is believed a number of antique items were stolen during the burglary, which occurred after the offender or offenders smashed windows in the house."