Guitar signed by Sting to go under the hammer for Cumbria flood victims...

Rock memorabilia enthusiasts are buzzing with the news that a bass guitar signed by Sting will go under the hammer to help raise funds for Cumbria's flood victims.

The guitar is up for auction on March 25th in Cockermouth as part of Mitchells antique furniture, fine art and collector's sale. Money raised from the sale will go towards the Cumbria Community Foundation's Flood Recovery Fund. £2.2m has been raised for Cumbria's flood victims and nearly £1m has been given out in grants to date.

The choice of venue for the sale of Lot 573 is an apt one: Mitchells were instrumental in helping local businesses during the Cockermouth floods, providing 14 temporary relocation units for flood-affected businesses.

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

Cllr Gary Strong, Cumbria County Council's Cabinet member responsible for culture, said:

"The breadth and depth of the flood recovery fundraising efforts have been remarkable. Last month we had the Concert for Cumbria featuring Lesley Garrett and now another world-renowned musician has stepped forward to help out. Auctioning this guitar signed by Sting just the day after Cockermouth's Main Street will be reopened is a fitting message to the world that the town is back in business."

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."