Independent Appeal: Bono and Damien Hirst join our auction

Bono and Damien Hirst have joined The Independent's annual charity auction, with unique lots to raise money for our Christmas appeal.

The U2 frontman and anti-poverty campaigner, who spent a day as guest editor of the paper in May, has donated a signed (RED) T-shirt, poster and limited-edition iPod. The singer has also given the trilby he wore while picking his racing tips for the paper.

The opportunity to own a piece of authentic Bono headgear does not come around often. The rock singer won a court case last month to order U2's former stylist to hand back a cowboy hat Bono wore during the band's Joshua Tree tour in 1987.

Bono said he was happy to donate the items to the Christmas appeal. He said: "It was a blast spending the day in the editor's chair and I'm proud of what we achieved."

Hirst, is offering the opportunity to own an example of his work. Three metal printing plates used to produce the front page (above) he designed for Bono's (RED) edition have been signed by Hirst and one will be given to each of the top three bidders. The bright red cover, proclaimed "No News Today".