A NATIONWIDE hunt has been launched for a rare musical instrument stolen from Eastleigh.

The baritone - a brass, tuba-like instrument imported specially for one young member of the march-ing band, Eastleigh Senators Drum and Bugle Corps - was stolen from a car.

The instrument was in the boot of a Vauxhall Nova taken from Bishopstoke by joyriders.

The vehicle was later discovered wrecked and abandoned in Colden Common - but the £900 baritone was stolen.

The baritone belonged to 20-year-old Glenda Hawkins, a member of the championship march-ing band.

Now a nationwide hunt is on to replace the highly specialist instrument - which is so rare it had to be imported from America.

And if one is not found soon Glenda, who lives at Ringwood, faces the heartbreak of missing the national finals of a prestigious youth band competition.

As well as the baritone Glenda had personal belongings taken.

Without four wheels she is also forced to make a two-hour bus trip to band rehearsals.

Glenda, a beauty therapist, said: "After band rehearsals I stayed with friends at Bishopstoke. "I could not believe it when I saw that my car had gone and I was too upset to see what they had done to it.''

Corps director Joe Fitzpatrick said: "Glenda has been with the band for about six years and is a very valuable and committed member.'' He said it was important that she was with the band for the national finals in Northampton on October 3.

The Senators, whose trophy cupboard is overflowing with awards, are expected to score highly in the latest nationwide contest.

The large three-valve silver-plated baritone instrument is just three years old and was made in America by the DEG Corporation.

And the Senators' spokesman said: "These instruments are made exclusively for the outdoor performances of the Drum of Corps. Being in the key of G they are unique and not suitable for traditional concert or orchestral use.''

The baritone has a code number FO9271 engraved on it and is in a large black case emblazoned with the number 17 in white near the handle.

Pc Bob, Hope of Eastleigh policeurged anyone coming across the instrument to report it immediately. He , said: "It's not the sort of thing you would normally find in a car boot sale but if anyone does see it for sale they should come forward and tell us immediately."

Anyone with information should call 01703 335444.

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