Armadale’s Jackie Clarke has had thousands of pounds worth of musical equipment stolen from his property - but fellow musicians and local people are rallying round to help him get back on his feet.

Jackie is a well-liked member of the community, known for his music, his backing with singing legend Lena Martell and his involvement in local charities.

In his 43 years in the entertainment business, he has worked with some of the top names in the industry, including Edison Lighthouse.

As a result of the theft, some of Jackie’s gigs with Lena have had to be put on hold because the stolen equipment was to be used on stage. And in a cruel twist of fate, his daughter Jaclyn is getting married next week.

Devastated Jackie said: "It knocks the heart out of you. This has been the worst year of my life. I was off work for six months with a serious illness and now this has happened.”

Items stolen include a peavey 1200 watt power amp, speakers, laptop, bag of microphones various speaker leads, a star cluster laser projector, mini discs with backing tracks and power leads.

All the stolen items were taken from Jackie’s hut, van and car.

Jackie said: “I woke up on Saturday morning and took my wife to work at 7am and noticed that the van door was open and the window had been smashed.

“Normally, I would keep it all in the house but we had guests staying so there wasn’t any room inside.

“The council are doing work outside so the main road is in darkness. The stuff was too big to get into a car so they would have needed a van. And since the road was down to one lane they would have to have reversed it into our drive.”

Jackie thinks that whoever robbed him knew what they were after. He said: “They had taken a large amplifier, speakers, a box of stage lighting - but they left behind one light that was broken – and a laptop containing all the tracks and a power supply. Luckily I’ve got all the tracks on hard copy.

“They took all the most heavy and awkward things yet they left behind three guitars, a Sat Nav, lawnmower and a brand new set of golf clubs

“I think that someone has decided that they’d like to run a disco or a karaoke. It amazes me because who are they going to sell it to? It’s going to be difficult to get rid of.

"I also worry about what would happen if some poor guy bought the equipment in good faith, not knowing it was stolen and some of my friends saw him using it. That wouldn’t be very nice for him.”

Fortunately, kind-hearted friends in the music business have come to the rescue. Jackie said: "It’s not spoiling my work though because everyone in the business who knows me has offered to help.

"We’ve had to cancel a few large gigs because I don’t have the large PA and all the lights. But I can still do the smaller ones and use other equipment. And some pals are organising a fundraiser for me!”

Fellow entertainer, Stacey Cook Sammie Lee, posted on Jackie’s facebook: “As everyone knows our fellow cabaret act Jackie Clarke has had all his equipment stolen. Myself and my friend Val Brown are going to host a fundraiser night for Jackie so he can purchase new equipment.

"Jackie is a well respected act within the circuit and he would help any of us out in the same circumstances. Any fellow cabaret acts who want to help and perform at the fundraiser which will be on the last Sunday in March please contact me. Thanks.”

Jackie said: “It’s very humbling that so many people want to help. Usually I play gigs to fundraise for charities – and now they’re fundraising for me! It makes me feel that all that work for charity is really worth it. It’s restored my faith in human nature. Some people can be really nice.”

Understandably, supportive locals have taken to facebook to express their anger that someone could steal from such a pillar of the community.

One user commented: “I think it’s a disgrace. All the work Jackie does for charity; always giving to the community and for some s**m to do this to his lively-hood is disgusting. I hope they find it all and the thieves that took it.”

Another member of the public posted: “Disgusting. I hope he can get it back,” whilst another offered to give Jackie his own musical equipment which he was selling.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police are investigating after a garden shed in Lower Bathville, Armadale was broken into.

"A number musical equipment items was stolen during the incident, which happened sometime between 3am on Friday, February 10 and midnight on Saturday, February 11.

"Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area during this time or who has information that can assist officers with their enquiries is asked to contact police immediately."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

The fundraising event to help Jackie buy new equipment will be on Sunday, March 25. Keep an eye on s1armadale for updates.