A distraught musician from Sidcup is desperately hoping to be reunited with her violing which was stolen from her home.

Louise Hope, aged 29, of Penshurst Avenue was devastated when she found that her violin had been stolen from her home in January.

Miss Hope, a primary school teacher discovered the theft when she went to get her violin to play in a school music production - and later discovered it had been pawned at a Cash Converters store in Sidcup Hight Street where it was bought for £60 on January 22.

She said: "My parents bought it for me in 2002 when I was doing my A level music exams, and it was a much loved and cherished instrument that has great sentimental value"

"I have been so full of heartache for months, and I only found out recently that it had been pawned. I am devastated."

Miss Hope is sending details of her violin to shops and music teachers across the South East.

She added: "Although the purchaser would not have known the violin was stolen, the police tell me that it remains a stolen item.

"I would be happy to pay them what they paid for it and a reward on top. I cannot condone the despicable action of the thief, but I just want to be reunited with my precious violin".

Rhys Woodruff, store manager of Cash Converters in Sidcup, said: "When the violin was brought into store, we instigated all the appropriate checks on the person in question and would never knowingly accept stolen goods, so are disappointed this has happened."

Miss Hope is sending details to violin shops and music outlets and teachers across the South East.

If you can help Louise, why not call the News Shopper newsdesk on 01689 885734 All calls will be treated in confidence.