Members of a historic military band say they have been left 'devastated' after their collection of instruments was decimated in a burglary.

Determined thieves broke into the Adamson Military Band's hall in Dukinfield , Tameside , and somehow made off with 19 instruments - including trumpets, saxophones and even tubas - despite their enormous weight.

Secretary Karen Bailey said it is unclear exactly how the intruders managed to get the stolen goods out of their rehearsal space.

The rear fire exit was found open, but had the thieves used that door, they would have had to have carried the instruments over a 5ft wall, through next door's back garden and out of a locked alleyway.

The only other possibility is the front door, but the padlock was found in tact.

(Image: Adamson Military Band)

Given the difficulty involved, it would suggest the theft was specifically targeted at the Adamson Military Band, founded in Dukinfield, Tameside, in 1888.

"It's a complete mystery," said Karen.

"They're clever whoever they are - to get away with what they've got away with.

"We're just devastated.

"It's as if somebody just pulled the rung out from under us. Gut-wrenching is the best word."

In total, it is believed the value of the goods stolen is at least £26,000.

The tuba alone is worth £10,000.

But Karen, whose husband Neil is the chairman of the band, fears the thieves are most likely opportunistic and will simply attempt to sell them for a few hundred pounds.

"The thought that they might just have been stolen to feed a drug habit... it's heartbreaking," said Karen.

"If they knew the pleasure that somebody gets from playing them.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"The tuba - my husband loved playing that."

A full list of the instruments including serial numbers has been circulated to local pawn shops.

The community of Dukinfield has been left outraged at the burglary, and Karen said she hopes the publicity may result in whoever took the instruments turning them in.

"Even if they're just left somewhere and someone lets us now," she said.

"We would be more than grateful."

Luckily, the instruments belong to the band and most of the players, who are all volunteers, also have their own - so the burglary will not prevent them from fulfilling upcoming engagements, including a wedding next weekend.

"It's not going to put the Adamson Military Band out of business!" Karen added.

A Gofundme page has been launched with the aim of raising £10,000 towards much-needed repairs on the band's hall.

Karen also urged any musicians who are interested in joining to get in touch via the website.