Norfolk charity auction features lots from top rock stars

Big names from rock music are once again banging the drum to support a North Walsham charity Live Aid event tomorrow.

Roger Taylor from Queen and Nick Mason from Pink Floyd put down their drum sticks and picked up a pen to sign a drum head during a visit to Norfolk.

It will be among the star lots in an auction during a night of live music from five bands.

The event is the sixth in a series of North Walsham Live Aid events organised by local musician Barry Holden, which have raised more than �20,000 for a string of children's charities since the initial one held in response to the Indonesian tsunami in 2004.

This year's will support the Teenage Cancer Trust which is adapting a ward at Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, to make it more suitable for teenage patients.

Taylor and Mason were among a regular shooting party staying in the town, which helps Mr Holden's cause by allowing him to get musical material signed by the visiting star guns.

Last year a guitar signed by Eric Clapton from the same shoot, dining at the Beechwood Hotel, made �500.

This year he has more lots than ever, with 32 items from DVDs and photos to guitars signed by stars including Mike Rutherford from Genesis, Gary Brooker from Procul Harum, Gary Moore, along with some non musical celebrity lots such as a picture of Jeremy Clarkson with a Bugatti Veyron.

The auction will be held during the gig, at the town's community centre, in New Road, tomorrow.

The music runs from 8pm -1am featuring Shy Fly, the Pocket Godzillas, Raw Edge, To The Last and The Divide, with the auction at 10.45pm.

Tickets from Zelley Jewellers, Postle's electrical and the Music Hut at North Walsham. More information on www.myspace.com/northwalshamliveaid or from Mr Holden on 07903 902731.