EXHIBITS stolen from the County Museum at Hartlebury Castle over the past year could be worth as much as £60,000, Kidderminster magistrates have been told.

A volunteer worker at the museum was bailed for sentence at Worcester Crown Court on July 2.

Reubeen Khalid Tariq, 40, of Stagborough Way, Stourport, admitted stealing antique dolls and 18th century costumes worth at least £44,000.

The exact value was still the subject of inquiry, said Kerry Moreton, prosecuting.

Some of the property had been sold through a London auction house to fund a course in museum work Tariq was undertaking.

The thefts were carried out over a 12-month period from March last year, Miss Moreton said.

Police were called in when stock was missed and dolls and dresses were found at Tariq's home.

Exhibits worth £14,000 were still missing, the court heard.

Tariq had breached the trust placed in him during his two years as a volunteer worker, Miss Moreton told the court.