A MOTHER says she has lost a lifetime of memories after thieves burgled her home and took precious family albums.

Tina Deboltz, 29, has been left devastated by the loss of the photographs of her own childhood and those of her two young children.

A tearful Mrs Deboltz said: "I am just gutted. Those albums had everything in them - pictures of me when I was a child with my friends and family, but also pictures of my children growing up.

"I am snap happy so I take loads of pictures at every family celebration.

"There were pictures of my children when they were born, all their birthday parties and even the scan photos taken at the hospital.

"No one else would have any use for them. All I want is those back."

The irreplaceable albums were stored in a box with a number of compact discs that was taken by thieves when they raided the family home in Sinclair Road, Lordshill.

Along with the albums burglars stole a stereo, portable television, Dyson vacuum cleaner, CDs, a PlayStation and the family camera containing more pictures.

"Most of the stuff was all in boxes anyway because we are just about to move house. They just picked up what they could," added Mrs Deboltz.

The thieves struck on Saturday while the family was away for the night celebrating the 30th birthday of Tina's husband, Mark.

It was the first time in six months that the couple had taken the children Jake, 1, and Hannah, 3, away for the night as a family.

Tina said: "We had a lovely time at Milford on Sea. I turned my mobile off but when I put it back on in the morning I had a message from my mother-in-law saying we had been burgled. I was devastated."

Police are also backing the family plea to have the albums returned.

A spokeswoman from Southampton's burglary investigation unit (BIU), said: "A number of items were taken from the property but these albums are of great sentimental value and would be of no use to anyone else.

"If anyone knows where they are, please hand them in to a police station anywhere in Southampton or call Crimestoppers anonymously with information."

Anyone with information can contact the BIU on 0845 045 4545 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.