Sir Paul McCartney will help raise thousands of pounds for charity when one of his trademark bass guitars goes under the hammer later this month.

The former Beatle has donated the instrument, an autographed Hofner bass violin guitar, to be sold at the 02 Silver Clef Awards which raise money for music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins.

He said he was delighted to be able to help the organisation: "The work they do with music therapy transforms the lives of vulnerable children and adults across the UK, and I hope the sale of this guitar raises lots of money. Rock on."

The last time he donated a signed guitar it raised £60,000 for the charity.

Nordoff Robbins chairman David Munns said: "Sir Paul McCartney is a living legend and we couldn't be happier about this huge act of generosity for the second time.

"Our music therapy work is life-changing but we need to raise more funds to continue to reach those who need it the most."