A distraught couple are appealing for the return of a lost gold locket which has huge sentimental value.

The locket was given to 29-year-old teacher Alison Burton by her husband, Chris Burton, also 29, in memory of their daughter Scarlett Faye, who was stillborn at 28 weeks on September 11.

While she was pregnant, Alison was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma and last Thursday, she was visiting Bradford Royal Infirmary, as part of her treatment, when the locket slipped from her neck.

It happened at about 1.10pm as her husband dropped her at the main entrance to BRI.

It was when Alison was changing into a gown on ward 7 she realised the locket was missing.

Chris retraced Alison’s steps and was searching the main entrance when a member of the public asked him what he was looking for.

When he replied “a piece of jewellery”, the person said they had seen a young male pick it up and run way.

The unique piece of jewellery has a fine, gold chain and the locket is heart-shaped and hinged. It has a seam down the front of the heart and has an embossed white gold leaf on yellow gold.

Inside the locket are two photos of Scarlett, one of her little hand holding her mum’s finger and on the other of her sleeping face in a white knitted hat.

The most recognisable feature is the engraving on the locket of her name Scarlett Faye and a ‘x’ for a kiss.

Alison appealed to jewellery shop owners to be on the look-out for someone trying to sell it.

“The locket will not mean anything to anyone else and no one else would want to wear it,” said Alison. Alison’s aunt has offered a small reward for the safe return of the locket.

If you can help, call (01274) 651127 or email: burtona08@leedslearning.net