Sir Paul McCartney to auction autographed Hofner 'violin' bass guitar for music therapy charity

Sir Paul McCartney will help raise thousands of pounds for charity when he auctions off one of his trademark bass guitars 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: "I am delighted to have signed and donated this very special left-handed Hofner bass in order to raise funds for Nordoff Robbins. 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.

Its 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. McCartney was awarded the Silver Clef Award himself in 1988 and has since been extremely supportive. The O2 Silver Clef Awards began 37 years ago, and through that event alone we have raised over £8 million for Nordoff Robbins, allowing us to use music to transform the lives of many thousands of disadvantaged and vulnerable people. Our music therapy work is life-changing but we need to raise more funds to continue to reach those who need it the most."

Crooner Michael Buble is to pick up the international prize at this year's awards.

Other winners include Jessie J, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Laura Wright.

Buble, whose hits include Haven't Met You Yet, will collect the Raymond Weil International Award at the ceremony at London's Hilton Park Lane on June 29.