CHRIS MARTIN - MARTIN BEATS BONO TO STIPE'S LUNCHBOX

CHRIS MARTIN outbid BONO to win a lunchbox designed by REM frontman MICHAEL STIPE at a charity auction in New York City at the end of last week (ends14OCT05).

Martin's bid of $20,000 (GBP11,100) proved too much for the U2 star to meet at the Wooster Projects Gallery event to raise funds for the Food Bank For New York City and The Lunchbox Fund.

A disappointed Bono quipped, "It was death by Coldplay!"

However, Bono's U2 bandmate, THE EDGE, won the auction for a lunchbox designed by former US President BILL CLINTON for $11,000 (GBP6,100).

Among the other celebrities in attendance at the opening Thursday (13OCT05) night gala were NAOMI CAMPBELL, ALICIA KEYS, MIKE MYERS, CHARLIZE THERON and MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL.

The more-than 100 stylised lunchboxes were contributed by stars including Myers, Theron, CLINT EASTWOOD, BRAD PITT and ANGELINA JOLIE.