One of Croydon's longest-running bands may have to call it a day on their live act unless they get £3,000 to replace a PA system and drum kit stolen by thieves.

The five members of Answers on a Postcard are holding a fund-raising gig at the Cartoon this weekend in a last-ditch attempt to save their 20-year-old band.

The blues band, who are all old school-friends and play gigs in their spare time, are relying on the generosity of their supporters to help raise the necessary funds.

The musicians were collecting their instruments from their lock-up when they discovered it had been broken into last month.

Band member Stan Crook, who lives in Carshalton, said: "We're only a small, semi-professional band and we simply can't afford to replace the PA system and drum kit. If we can't get £3,000 to replace them, we'll have to split.

"We've been together for more than 20 years. It's just something we do in our spare time. We formed more than 20 year ago as old school friends and over the years we've built up a dedicated following, playing at people's weddings and parties.

"We're hoping our fans will support us once more at this gig on Sunday and dig deep to help us get back on track.

"We are so grateful to the management of the Cartoon. We usually play there one Sunday a month and they have offered it to us for the rest of the day, free of charge."

Playing alongside Answers on a Postcard will be a host of other bands, including a Deep Purple and Wishbone Ash tribute groups as well as raffles and sponsored events.

Sunday's event (December 9), titled With A Little Help From My Friends, starts at 2pm at The Cartoon, London Road, West Croydon, finishing at 11pm.

Details from The Cartoon on 020 8239 1616.

December 6, 2001 10:30