THIEVES have ruined Christmas for York band member Roger Taylor after they broke into his car and stole his prized cornet.

Now the 19-year-old mechanic, who plays with the Rowntree Band, is desperate to get the rare instrument back and is offering a reward to anyone who can help to reunite him with it.

The instrument, which his mother, Gill, bought for him ten years ago and which will cost more than £1,000 to replace, was stolen when thieves broke into his Vauxhall Nova at about 10.30pm on Friday.

Roger, the principal cornet player with the band's training band, had just performed at a concert at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, in Haxby Road, and had parked his car in Malton Road, Heworth, while he visited the Shoulder of Mutton pub with fellow band members.

He had only been gone for about 20 minutes when he returned to find his car damaged and his cornet missing.

The case for the instrument had been smashed open quite needlessly - as it did not lock any way - and was dumped nearby. Despite combing the area, Roger could find no sign of his cornet

Roger, who lives at Fulford, said: "This has completely ruined Christmas for me. I'm not going to be able to buy presents for people now as I'll need to save my money to get another cornet.

"It was quite a unique cornet, which has a unique sound. There's no chance I'll be able to sound as good if I use another one and the firm that made them went out of business years ago.

"It is not just a major blow to me, but also to the band as we are currently raising money to buy a new bass and that could be affected.

"I'm willing to pay a reward to anyone who can help me to get it back."

The stolen instrument is relatively unusual in that it is silver on the outside and gold-plated inside the bell. It is stamped with the initials DEG, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA, and has the serial number 260335.

Roger has circulated a description of the instrument to all the second-hand stores in York in case the thieves try to sell it on.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the cornet is asked to telephone the police in York on 01904 631321 or speak directly to Roger on 07752 506855.

Updated: 10:26 Monday, December 24, 2001