A GUITAR company helped a homeless man in Malvern after his beloved guitar was stolen.

JHS, a company based in Garforth, near Leeds, stepped in after the man, known as Phillip, had his guitar taken from him while he slept in the town in April.

Following the theft, there was an outpouring of support from the community, with offers coming in to provide the 47 year-old with a new guitar.

JHS stepped in and supplied a new acoustic guitar and case, allowing him to continue busking in Malvern Link.

CEO Dennis Drumm said: "We thought hard for an appropriate guitar that would be ideal for Phil, settling on a recently launched ‘Historic’ series dreadnought electro-acoustic model from our own branded vintage guitar series, along with a case, leather strap and Dean Markley strings."

Following the theft, which happened outside Fragrance House perfume shop, in Worcester Road, the guitar was eventually tracked down, with a 38 year-old man due to appear in court next month.

The stolen guitar was tracked down by police officers in Malvern, who handed it back to Phillip.

It will now be auctioned off at a later date.

Phillip, originally from Cape Town, South Africa, said: "When JHS contacted me to say they were dispatching one of their Vintage electro-acoustic models with accessories, I was overjoyed.

"I'm not an amazing guitarist but I need a decent acoustic guitar for the playability and sound, as people around here seem to like my stuff, and this guitar is ideal.

"Thank you JHS, your kindness is very much appreciated." 

Inspecting officer PC George Preston said: "It was music to my ears knowing we had located the guitar.

"The guitar has been returned to its rightful owner who was extremely grateful."

At the time of the theft, he said: "When I woke up, it was gone. I woke up at about half past 11 and the guitar had been taken.

"I've been going through a bit of a rough patch, and this has made me feel worse on top of that, but I try not to let things affect me too much.

"I've become quite well known performing in the area, so I didn't expect anyone would do something like that."