Yesterday lunchtime saw the conclusion of an auction run on behalf of Tommy's, a UK charity which looks into the causes of cot deaths and premature birth. The auction involved a large number of stars of sport, music, the arts, and fashion, being given a plain child's building block and being given free reign to design it however they wanted. The auction was run on eBay.

Nick Mason was one of the musicians who was invited to design a block. The description of the block was as follows:

A hand sanded tulipwood block, decorated with the legendary Dark Side of the Moon prism. The top part of the block has a recess cut into it and a small clear plastic prism has been placed inside. Inside this a red LED flashes continuously. The block is signed by Nick Mason, drummer for Pink Floyd. (NB) the LED will work for some time but after several weeks may need fresh batteries, which can be easily fitted. Size: 9.7cm.

When the auction finished, the final selling price was a princely GBP490 - which was an excellent amount raised for a very worthwhile charity.