THE brother of a rock legend who has helped raised funds for charity is to receive a guitar autographed by skiffle king Lonnie Donegan as a thank-you for his efforts.

Mick Jagger's lesser-known brother, Chris, has for a long time been quietly working behind the scenes to keep open the Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, at South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

Phil Barker, fundraising manager of the centre, which needs £1,400 a week, hit upon the idea of presenting Chris - who is also a rock musician - with the guitar. Both Chris and Mick are big fans of Lonnie, who is discussing plans to perform at fundraising concerts to help the centre.

When he appeared in the area recently, Mr Barker asked Lonnie to autograph the guitar.

He said: "Chris has given his time and talent over a number of years to raise funds. Both are big fans of Lonnie Donegan. Chris can remember the sounds of Mick's "78" records coming through his bedroom wall.

"Chris said he would love any invitation to play with Lonnie and would like something belonging to him.''

Mr Barker said: "Lonnie has always been the perfect gentleman, and although inundated with media interest asking for his time for interviews, he was more than happy to put his own personalised autograph on the guitar.''

Ron Howe, owner of Darlington store Ron's Music, sponsored the cost of the guitar.