A DRUMMER has appealed to thieves to return a set of drums stolen from his van in Palmers Green.

Larry Paterson, 43, of Walthier Close, found his drum kit had been stolen from the back of his van parked in nearby Lawrence Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Mr Paterson – who has worked with members of heavy metal bands Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath – said the kit was irreplaceable as it was painted in a one-off colour by his sponsors and had travelled with him all over the world.

He said: “It's really special to me – without that gear I'm out of a job.

“Even with the help of my sponsors it's going to cost me £2,000 to replace everything, but it's unique and it's been with me to Russia and south America and has special significance.

“Even the cases have got all kinds of stickers on from all over the world and from the different bands I've worked with – it's so much more than just a drum kit.”

The New Zealand-born musician, who has only lived in Palmers Green for six months after moving from Oxford, has reported the theft to police, who are investigating.

But he appealed to those responsible to return the six drums, signature pedals, eight cymbals, cases and even a pair of drumsticks voluntarily so he could be reunited the gear that has so much sentimental value.

He added: “I don't think that whoever has nicked it has any idea how much it means to me and how special some of that equipment is.”