CHRISTMAS has come early for Stroud's much-loved street entertainer, thanks to the generosity of a Stroud business.

Clive (Clover) Bushell was attacked and had his keyboard stolen as reported in last week's SNJ.

Since then we have been inundated with offers of help for one of the town's best known faces.

Jane Partridge and Lucy Garcia, who have co-owned the store in Thread Needle Street, Stroud, for four years have presented Clover with the same model keyboard as the one that was taken from him - a DGX220 worth £300.

"We were horrified when we found out," said Jane, from Amberley.

"To victimise somebody who hasn't got much is terrible - they must have known Clover, everyone does.

"Even after everything he has been through he is still sat there smiling away."

Several other people contacted the SNJ offering old keyboards, including Barry French, Pauline Ramstedt, Tony Baker and Darren Saville.

"Wow, I can't believe it," said Clover, 48, who has received a civic award for his performances and plays his keyboard most days in High Street.

"This is wonderful news - I really am overwhelmed.

"I have had such a great response from Stroud - so many people have said how sorry they are to hear about what happened.

"This is how people should be and it's made me realise they really do appreciate my music it's just they don't usually say so.

"Now I can get on with practising my Christmas carols."

Clover, from Stroud, was on his way home on October 28 when he was punched and knocked into the road by a stranger in Westward Road, Ebley.

He left his keyboard propped up against the wall and ran but when he returned to the spot ten minutes later the instrument had vanished.

Police are currently investigating the incident.

Read Clover's heartfelt thanks to the people of Stroud, published here.

*Clover' s message to the People of Stroud.

I'd like to say a massive thank you to all the people of Stroud who offered heart felt warmth and sympathy for my unfortunate circumstances regarding the theft of my keyboard.

I really feel honoured by the friendliness and compassion of the people from all walks of life who have helped from the offer of their own keyboards to emotional support.

A warm thanks to the SNJ for running my appeal for the old one back and to the authorities for their continuing investigation.

In short, I feel loved by so many people for my busking, that I intend to give as much love through my music and myself as I can back to Stroud for as long as I can.

My last warm thank you is to the Stroud music shop Riffs' who kindly donated free of charge a new identical keyboard to the one stolen.

A massive "cheers!" Stroud. I am proud to live and work in our community and feel the warm, friendly spirit of the people here.

Yours Sincerely.

Clover.