A POPULAR Bolton band may have to cancel all of its Christmas concerts after thieves stole more than £5,000 worth of its equipment. Backstreet Blues are devastated after the late-night raid on their rehearsal room left them without numerous instruments and speakers. One guitar on its own, a black and white Rickenbacker bass, is valued at an estimated £2,000.

The band is now appealing for the return of its instruments and the help of other groups to lend equipment and keep them on the road.

Bass player Peter Wawrysz, known as Methy, said: "It is terrible, we are all devastated, We have had to cancel a lot of gigs in Bolton and were supposed to be playing all over the town at Christmas."

The blues band, consisting of Howard Gallimore and Gary Chisnall on guitar, Mick Reay on vocals and Pete Wilcox on drums, has been playing in its current form for 10 years, but has existed with various line-ups since 1975. Their home concerts are at the Farmers Arms on Chorley Street.

They rehearsed in a house owned by Peter on Vernon Street, Bolton, and on Tuesday night, or the early hours of Wednesday morning, the thieves forced their way in and stole the equipment.

The list of stolen items includes a Gibson bass, three Orange graphic amps, a Peavey amp, two Carlsbro speakers, two high frequency horn units, a practise amp and various videos and leads.

Peter had taken out contents insurance, but is not 100 per cent sure the equipment will be covered.

He said: "If anyone can help get the instruments returned we would be very grateful as we are lost at the moment.

"We would also be pleased to hear from other bands who could lend us some equipment so we can play some gigs."

If you can help the Backstreet Blues, call Peter on (01204) 493973.