A DESPERATE appeal has been made to help raise money for a teenager who was held at knife-point during a 'cowardly' robbery.

The 17-year-old boy was walking along Banana Path, off Spring Lane in Radcliffe, when three men targeted him, demanding he give up his guitar.

When the boy refused, he was punched several times in the head, causing bruising. One of the men then threatened him with a knife before the thugs ran off towards Radcliffe Metrolink station.

The instrument that was stolen — an electro-acoustic Tanglewood Winterleaf made of mahogany — is estimated to be worth about £500.

Members of the community are rallying round to purchase a replacement guitar for the teenager, as well as several music lessons to give him "something to be positive about".

Guitarist Luke McColl, from Darcy Lever, Bolton, has set up a crowdfunding page which has so far raised £245.

Mr McColl, aged 31, said: "It really bothered me that the teenager's guitar was stolen. If I was his age and had been mugged, it would really knock my confidence. It would have been a scary ordeal.

"His mum shared a post on Facebook which said he just wanted his guitar back. I realised it must mean the world to him.

"I decided I wanted to help. We need to raise £500 for the guitar. It would be great if we exceeded that amount so we can get him something ridiculously special."

Mr McColl contacted a friend who works at Booth's Music shop in Bolton to try and trace a new Tanglewood guitar, and to request some discounted music lessons.

Colin Liptrot, who works at Booth's said: "The young lad's guitar was not a very common model. It was a really nice one.

"Under the circumstances, we want to do something as a goodwill gesture. We are trying to help replace the guitar and provide some extra lessons for him."

Carlo Picasso Decorators, who work in Radcliffe and Ramsbottom, were the first to donate to the fundraising page, and have given £80 to help buy a new guitar for the teenager.

Company owner Carl Enion, from Radcliffe, said: "We were sad when we heard that a local lad had been held at knife-point and we wanted to help. It is always nice to help others out. We wanted to get the ball rolling."

Police have urged anyone with information about the robbery, at around 8pm on Friday, October 12, to come forward.

Det Sgt Stuart Barker of Bury Police Station said: "This was a cowardly robbery that left the victim understandably shaken.

“We are confident someone knows who did this. Maybe you saw someone carrying a guitar case in the area around the time of the offence or perhaps you’ve seen someone trying to sell a guitar like this one recently.

“Anyone with information should call police immediately.”

The three men are described as being around 5ft 10ins and were dressed all in black. No further description is available.

Contact police on 0161 856 8152 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

To help raise money for a new guitar, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rhysseddonguitar.