A guitar which was played, smashed and then signed by Muse frontman Matt Bellamy has raised €60,000 charity.

The guitar was used for the band’s recently-completed Drones world tour. During a show at The 02 arena in London on Friday 15 April, Bellamy used the guitar during the song ‘Reapers’ before flinging it high into the air.

Video footage uploaded onto YouTube shows the moment it crashed on to the stage:

It was then signed by Bellamy and bandmates Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard.

The instrument was sold in a silent auction, with the highest bid of €60,000 coming from an avid fan of the band, Christina.

The money will go to Teignbridge-based youth arts charity The Helen Foundation, which was launched in 2006 to support young people achieve their ambitions, particularly in the arts. All three members of the international rock band are patrons of the charity.

I am very, very happy and excited that I won the auction and of course I am very happy that the money will go on a good cause and for your good work that I am wishing many successes. I also want to thank The Helen Foundation, my favourite group MUSE and Adrian Ashton of Manson Guitar Works for the joy and the opportunity given to me to have this guitar. Christina, winning bidder

Matt Bellamy is from Teignmouth, Devon Credit: PA

Trustee Alex Kirk, who was at The 02 arena show when Bellamy used the guitar, said the charity was overwhelmed by the donation.