A ONE-of-a-kind Home Guard uniform used by a comedian during his latest UK tour has been found following a Gazette appeal.

Julian Dutton’s authentic Dad’s Army costume, which he wore in his stage tribute to Sergeant Arthur Wilson actor John Le Mesurier, was taken from Colchester Arts Centre after a gig.

Mr Dutton’s wallet, laptop, projector and all of his stage props were also stolen from the Church Street venue.

However, following a stroke of luck and an appeal in the Gazette, Mr Dutton’s replica uniform was located by an eagle eyed litter picker.

Tony Sharpels, who works for idverde, spotted a suitcase near the Mercury Theatre. It contained the uniform, notebooks and a Bakelite prop telephone.

Mr Sharpels, who lives in Thorrington, said: “I contacted a few re-enactment groups and someone said they had seen it in the paper.

“If it wasn’t for the Gazette I would never have known.

“Julian was over the moon. He said the rest of the things stolen can be replaced but the uniform is a one of a kind made to measure replica.”

Mr Dutton, who still has eight dates of his Do You Think That’s Wise? The Life and Times of John Le Mesurier show to go, said it was a big relief the costume had been found.

He said: “I am so grateful and my thanks go out to the people of Colchester who helped a man in need.

“I was bowled over by the support of staff at the arts centre, the public and, of course, Tony who helped so much.

“I also had lots of offers from people of Sergeant Wilson costumes to borrow which I was quite taken a back with.

“My next show is based on Last of the Summer Wine and my costume is based on Compo Simmonite.

“If people want to steal that they can go ahead.”

Essex Police are investigating the theft, which took place at around 10.15pm on Sunday October 14.

If you can help, call 101 quoting reference 42/163480/19.