Take That auction tour piece for Blackpool hospice

Take That have raised £13,500 for a hospice by auctioning off a huge metal statue used during their recent tour.

The group was reunited with former member Robbie Williams, who quit the band in 1995, for their sell out Porgress Live tour across Europe earlier in the year. Part of the show saw them singing on a huge human-like structure, called The Big Man.

Steve Rimmer, a member of the group's crew, suggested it should be sold as scrap metal, but the band decided to put the profits towards a charity of the roadie's choice.

Rimmer gave the money to Trinity Hospice near Blackpool.

He says: "Once I heard there were no plans for The Big Man once the tour was over I was determined to make sure it didn't go to waste. I am proud that the money raised has gone to such a worthwhile charity."

A spokesman for the band adds: "The band are thrilled that The Big Man could help raise money for such a worthy cause."