NORTH Yorkshire Police are hoping to trace the rightful owner of this gold pocket watch.

Officers recovered the watch during a recent burglary investigation in the York area, however, they believe it could have been stolen from further afield.

The watch is inscribed with the words: "Presented to Mr A Reid by friends on leaving Tarland 1987" and is contained within a black case with the jeweller's name inside: "George Gray, Banchory and Aboyne". Banchory and Aboyne are towns near Aberdeen in Scotland.

DC Chris Hogg, of York Investigation Hub, said: "We suspect that the watch has been stolen in a burglary or a distraction burglary and would like whoever it belongs to, to come forward and claim it.

"It's possible that the owner is not aware that is has been taken.

"I am appealing to anyone with a family member with the name surname Reid with links to Tarland in Scotland. Particularly anyone in the York, Selby and Pocklington areas."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for DC Chris Hogg in York Investigation Hub. Or you can email chris.hogg@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk