These disappointed youngsters have appealed for help in tracking down their music equipment which was stolen by thieves.

Police have also renewed their plea for help in finding the £5,000 of equipment which helps Kids Choir 200 hold concerts for charity.

The 120 members could struggle to keep their dates over the busy festive period when they should be performing to crowds every weekend.

If you spotted the theft of a keyboard, guitar, CD player, microphones, and the group's own albums from a black Mitsubishi van in the car park of Makro in Rayleigh at about 4pm on Friday, call Rayleigh police on 01268 775533 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 .

Silent night - Steve Titford and the children are saddened by the loss of their equipment Picture: NICK ANSELL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.