THE festive season ended on a sour note for brass band member Roger Taylor after thieves broke into his car and stole his prized cornet.

The 19-year-old, who plays with the Rowntree Band in York, has made an appeal for help to track down the rare instrument, which would cost more than £1,000 to replace.

Mr Taylor was visiting the Shoulder of Mutton pub, in Heworth, when the thieves struck.

He returned to his Vauxhall Nova car to find the instrument's case smashed open.

"It was 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," said Mr Taylor.

"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."

Mr Taylor is willing to pay a reward for information leading to the conviction of the thieves.

The cornet is silver on the outside and gold-plated inside the bell. It is stamped with the initials DEG and also has an inscription "Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA".

Anyone with information is asked to contact York police on (01904) 631321.