U2 - U2 GUITAR SELLS FOR $240K

A guitar with more than a little sentimental value to U2's The Edge has sold at a charity auction in New York.

The Hard Rock Café auction run by Julien's Auctions saw the Gibson Les Paul guitar go for $240,000 (£120,000).

It had been used by The Edge in U2's live concerts since 1985 and was described by bidders as showing more than a few signs of wear.

That didn't stop the bidders coughing up in aid of the Music Rising charity, set up by The Edge and Gibson Guitar, to help those who lost their instruments because of Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless after one of the worst natural disasters in the US' history.

"I can't imagine what it must be like to wake up one morning and not have my guitar," The Edge says on the campaign charity's website.

"Thousands of musicians have lost their instruments in New Orleans. Music Rising is attempting to put the instruments back in their hands."

Other music memorabilia items sold in the auction include sunglasses formerly owned by The Edge's bandmate, Bono, and a pair of distinctive shades owned by John Lennon.

A Jimi Hendrix guitar – his 1966 Red Fender Mustang – sold for $400,000 (£200,000).