THE family of a tuba player who had his instrument stolen are appealing for the thieves to return it.

The E flat bass instrument was taken from outside the home of the Doherty family in Burnley Wood on Sunday afternoon after Michael Doherty picked up son Conor from a concert at St Peter's Church.

The loss of the tuba is a blow to the Burnley Junior Alliance Brass Band where Conor plays because it was bought with money donated by former Burnley Mayor Roger Frost.

The tuba, worth around £2,500, was stolen from the boot of the family car from between 2pm on Sunday and 10am on Monday.

Conor, 10, has been left unable to take part in band rehearsals.

Martin said: "Conor is obviously very upset, he is deflated and disappointed.

"I hope whoever stole it knows they are depriving a young boy of learning an instrument.

"It is also embarrassing for us to have to tell his band leader that he can't play anymore because he had the tuba stolen.

"At this point in time we don't know when we can replace it."

Musical director Colin Mason said: "We are devastated by what has happened and would appeal for anyone who may have taken it to return it.

"We have built up our range of instruments over the years and this is a great loss.

"This is not really the sort of thing anyone would want to buy and the fear is that someone has stolen this and then just dumped it.

"As well as appealing to the person or people who have taken this, and to anyone who may be offered it, I would appeal for anyone who feels they may be able to make a donation to come forward, that would be a marvellous gesture."