A bass guitar signed by Sting will go under the hammer to help raise funds for Cumbria's flood victims.

Sting's guitar auctioned in Cumbria to raise flood cash

The guitar is up for auction on 25 March in Cockermouth as part of Mitchells antique furniture, fine art and collector's sale.

It is hoped the vintage-style guitar will fetch between £500 and £800.

Money raised from the sale will go towards the Cumbria Community Foundation's Flood Recovery Fund which has already raised more than £2m.

The guitar, a Fender Sting Precision Bass with a two-colour sunburst finish, has been signed by Sting on the pick guard under the strings.

(photo - Mitchells Auctioneers)

Cumbria County Council arranged the sale after contacting Sting to see if he could help in the aftermath of the floods.

Mitchells director Mark Wise said: "This guitar is a real Fender Precision Bass, a proper musical instrument and not a cheap and cheerful off-the-shelf budget guitar.

"It is valuable in its own right and with the association and Sting's actual signature, it should prove a real investment for any musician or collector."

Mitchells were central in helping local businesses during the Cockermouth floods, providing 14 temporary relocation units for flood-affected businesses.

Source: BBC News