A ROCK band left devastated when thieves stole their car and music equipment are set to play their most important gig to date.

Medford were on their way to record their first album at a studio in Worcester when their white Ford Escort, with £800 of music equipment, was taken from Tallow Hill car park last year.

The Peavey guitar amp, guitar pedals and leads inside the car were never recovered after the theft in February last year. However, the band have now replaced all the equipment and they are aiming to get back on top.

The band are hoping for a contract with entertainment agency Eminence Leisure when they play a showcase gig at Chicago Rock Caf, New Street, Worcester, tomorrow.

"We have gone from having everything stolen to hopefully being back on the winning track on Wednesday," said the band's vocalist Richard Webb.

"It's a make-or-break situation. We're really hoping to be taken on by this agency.

"It means we'll get to go round the country.

"We've been trying to go nationwide for some time, and to do that we have to have a good agency."

Aside from Richard, aged 30, the band includes Mike Butt on bass, Scott Baldwin on guitar and Miles Dandey on drums.

They play cover versions ranging from The White Stripes to Elvis Presley.

"Our gigs are fun," said Richard, who lives in Peabody Avenue, Warndon Villages. "Everyone who comes enjoys themselves."

The gig is set to take place at around 10pm.