THE organisers of a charity concert in Stourbridge in memory of a musician killed in a car crash have spoken of their shock after posters advertising the event were stolen.

Gig Caritas is presenting Handel’s Messiah at St Thomas’s Church on Saturday March 23 in memory of 19-year-old musician Alex Ross who died in a car crash in Lincolnshire on December 22.

The event will also raise money for Dudley Crossroads which supports carers around the borough.

David Herrington, of Gig Caritas, said of the theft: “Who would do such a thing?

"Alex Ross was a keen double bass player who played many times for Gig Caritas – indeed he was due to play in this concert."

He added: "Alex was a loving, vibrant, energetic and friendly member of our orchestra.

"A former member of the National Youth Orchestra, he was studying at the Royal Academy of Music but nevertheless was always keen to come up and join us in Stourbridge for our concerts.

"He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

"With heartfelt love to his memory and for his grieving parents Charles and Jacqueline, this concert is dedicated to Alex."

The posters advertising the event, sited outside the church in Market Street, are believed to have been taken Sunday morning or early Monday morning.

Mr Herrington said: “The way they were securely fastened to the boards they'll have been ripped really badly.”

But he stressed: “Thieves won’t kill this charity concert.”

He is now urging people to turn out in force to the concert “so we can show we won’t be defeated”.

The event, conducted by Keith Horsfall, will feature soloists Lizzie Peacock, Jude Moreland, Ashley Turnell and Mike Dernie.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from www.gigcaritas.org.uk.