A HAMPSHIRE band have thanked the public for their support after money was raised for their stolen instruments.

The Romsey Old Cadets have expressed their gratitude to the public and other organisations after they raised more than an estimated £1,300 to replace the musical instruments that were stolen in August.

As well as donations from the public, the band has seen donations from other local organisations in Romsey including staff at The Star Inn who have put out a collection box for donations.

A spokesperson from the band said: "The Romsey Old Cadets are amazed and very thankful for all the tenuous support the area has given them since the theft of some of their instruments.

"Whilst many personal donations have been made, organisations and establishment like the Tudor Rose have also assisted greatly with collections; the latest of which is Test Valley Borough Council making a donation of £1000.

"This support is very humbling for the association and we thank you all for your support.

"To date some £1,300 has been donated to our association, but as stated there are still organisations and businesses that are still collecting.

"We are aware of another large donation in the pipeline, coming from the Romsey Conservative Club, this presentation by the club will include a brief performance by ourselves."

The thanks follows the theft of the bands instruments from a storage unit in North Baddesley on Tuesday, August 7, which was promptly followed by the set up of a ‘GoFundMe’ online campaign in order to raise the money needed to replace the equipment.

The band had used the garage to store their instruments for 25 years but when over-grown ivy was removed from climbing up the storage unit walls it damaged the roof, leaving the instruments vulnerable.

Jessica Pattison of Romsey set up an online fundraiser as soon as she discovered the instruments had been stolen.

A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary during mid-August.

Adam Welch, 27, of Fleming Avenue in North Baddesley has been charged with an allegation of theft.

He is due at Southampton Magistrates' Court on November 2.