Northampton musician appeals for help to find precious '100-year-old' ukulele banjo stolen from his car overnight

A Northampton man is asking for his town's help to track down a treasured ukulele banjo that was stolen from his car.

Bill Kingston is appealing for the safe return of the distinctive and much-loved instrument that was taken from his car overnight from outside his home in Ridgeway, Weston Favell.

And many residents in Northampton will recognise the unmistakable heirloom, as it was handed over to Bill by a former local of the Old Black Lion in St Giles Street - now the Wig & Pen - who used to regularly play at the pub with the trademark instrument.

Bill said: "The instrument is worth very little but was like an old friend and between us we have entertained on rugby and cricket tours and retirement homes throughout the length and breadth of the land.

"I would dearly love to secure the return of my old instrument.

"I thought what I would do is offer a free performance for whoever is able to reunite me with it."

Where a classic ukulele appears like a small guitar, a ukulele banjo appears more like a small banjo.

Bill's missing instrument (pictured) has four strings and is black around the belly with a brown wooden head.

The banjo may have been sold or brought to pawn shops and second-hand shops in Northamptonshire.

If anyone believes they have found Bill's missing instrument, please contact the Chronicle & Echo newsroom on 01604 467038 or on [email protected].