DJ Phil 'Catman' Hilldrup has been left devastated by the theft of his unique 300-strong 1940s and 50s original record collection and play gear worth £15,000.

The equipment and the "near-priceless" 45rpm vinyl discs were taken from his storeplace at Sawkins Avenue, Great Baddow, during Thursday night.

He is now running his weekly disco at Spring Lodge Community Centre in Witham with CD copies of the original sounds.

Items stolen included Elvis Presley on the Sun label and Little Richard on London Forties.

"The collection has taken me 17 years to build and I am in a state of shock," said Phil who works for Webbs Coaches as a driver but started his rock disco three years ago.

"The items are all irreplaceable and in good condition. I had really looked after them myself and the whole lot must be worth £15,000 by today's reckoning. They are collectors' items.

"I am not certain if the thieves knew exactly what they were taking but they left all the bigger hardware and the CD stuff behind and only went for the black case with my wonderful discs in and the record players, mixers and mikes.

"If anybody gives the police information leading to the collection's return to me I will offer a reward," he said.

Police at Chelmsford can be contacted on 01245-491212.

Phil Hilldrup - forced to rely on CDs after the theft of his record collection.

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