A book of valuable coins dating as far back as 1210 were stolen from a popular flea market this Bank Holiday.

The book of more than 100 coins was taken from a stand at the market at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, on Monday (May 25).

It contained around £1,000 worth of coins, was light blue and had the words Boots Coin Book printed on the front cover.

Ten un-circulated coins dating between 1917 and 1918, two pages of 1938 shillings, Edward I silver Hammond pennies from the 1600s, silver crowns from William III, George III, William IV and Queen Victoria, and assorted farthings, copper and other rare coins.

A man was seen acting suspiciously around the stand and placed a large bag on the table before offering to sell a watch. He then told the owner of the stand he had lost the watch rushed off to find it.

He is described as fair haired with a slight beard and was wearing a hat. He spoke with an Eastern European accent.

Stallholder, Anthony Sandy, from Stroud in Gloucestershire, said: “I am hoping someone will recognise the light blue book that the coins were displayed in, or may be offered some of these rare coins in the near future.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call South Worcestershire Police on 0300 333 3000, quoting 69/N/260509.