A St Albans woman said she was "heartbroken" by the loss of a necklace, struck from metal taken from Lord Nelson’s ship Foudroyant, which she inherited from her late grandmother.

Jess Distill, of Marshalswick, said the necklace may not look valuable to a passerby but it is of "great sentimental value" after she inherited it from her late Nana Peggy some years ago.

The 27-year-old is now appealing to readers to help trace her penny sized necklace, which "could be anywhere in the city centre" after she noticed it was missing at 2pm yesterday afternoon.

Miss Distill, who works as marketing assistant for the Alban Arena, said: "It could be anywhere. I put it on in the morning, like I usually do and then at about 2pm I noticed I wasn't wearing it.

"During my lunch break I went to H&M and then down to Tesco, so if it’s in town it's most likely to be in the main High Street or round The Maltings.

"I am genuinely heartbroken. I don’t think it has great monetary value to it at all, but it is hugely sentimental.

"I would kiss and hug someone if they were to find it."

So far Miss Distill, who is part of city folk trio Said The Maiden, has searched the Alban Arena, retraced her steps and revisited shops in the hope of finding the necklace.

"The necklace doesn’t look valuable and to someone else they would probably pick it up and not realise, but to me it’s a big deal.

"I would be really grateful if I got it back." She said.

If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of the necklace they are asked to contact Miss Distill on 07743 440 956.