MEMBERS of a popular North-East rock and pop band have been devastated by the theft of thousands of pounds worth of music and sound equipment.

Thieves broke into a panel van parked in Mitchell Street, Annfield Plain, near Stanley, between between 1am and 3am on Friday morning.

They made off with four guitars, a drum kit, mixing desk, two monitors, a bass amplifier, smoke machine, effects pedal and radio mike kit, belonging to the band Kimera.

Band member James Handyside, 29, said: “We are all devastated.

“We usually take the equipment out of the van, but because we were playing on the Saturday night we unwisely left it in the van, parked outside my parents' home.

“They got nearly everything. Luckily they never got our PA speakers and things like that.

“We had to cancel the gigs we had over the weekend and are having to borrow instruments until we get back on our feet.”

The most expensive item stolen was a black Gibson Les Paul guitar worth about £3,000. The other guitars were a camouflage ESP, worth £1,500, a white LTD Flying V and red Maverick F1.

The four members of Kimera have been together for 13 years. They are well-known on the region’s pub and club circuit.

Mr Handyside said: “We are offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of the equipment.

“Unfortunately we were not insured.

"We have a few gigs over next couple of months, so will be keeping the money we earn to buy new equipment rather than paying ourselves."

Anyone who would like to help the band replace its equipment can make a donation at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/kimera

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.