Two musicians had enough puff left over after blowing their instruments to chase a thief who stole their band's collection bucket.

Rayleigh Brass had been performing outside Safeway supermarket, in Eastwood, for five hours, when a teenager grabbed a collection bucket full of cash donated by appreciative shoppers.

Greg White, 24, who plays the euphonium, and Morgan Williams, 15, who plays the tenor horn, were determined to save the money because it was meant for local charities.

They put down their instruments and chased the thief along Western Approaches, until he dropped the bucket, containing more than £50.

Mr White said: "I was determined that all our efforts weren't going to be in vain, so I just chased him without thinking."

Greg and Morgan retrieved the bucket but the thief escaped.

Trombone player Keith Williams, 46, said: "We had a sign out which clearly stated we were collecting money for charity."

The band has played more than 60 hours of carols outside local supermarkets throughout December and hopes to have raised up to £2,500.

One of the charities which will benefit from the fundraising is the Active Christian Trust, which provides youth club facilities and hopes to set up a music centre in Rayleigh.