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Sheeran's signed guitar to be raffled by school

The Downs Primary and Nursery School An acoustic guitar in a guitar case with the phrase Play This Guitar and Ed Sheeran's autograph written in felt tip across the topThe Downs Primary and Nursery School
Ed Sheeran has written "play this guitar" on top of the instrument

Ed Sheeran has sent a video message of support to a primary school after giving them a signed guitar to help with fundraising.

In the video, posted on X, he says he hopes his donation will help The Downs Primary and Nursery School in Harlow, Essex.

Head teacher Rob Calderwood said the video - and the guitar - had gone down well within the school.

"The children are incredibly excited about it as are the teachers. It has created a real buzz."

Reuters Ed Sheeran appears playing guitar, singing into a microphone, with people cheering behind himReuters
The singer-songwriter is one of the most-played artists of recent years

Sheeran, who lives in the neighbouring county of Suffolk near Framlingham, has links to the school via close family friends.

In the video he says: "Just to let you know, I've signed a guitar which I hope will raise a lot of money for you guys."

Vic Goddard, the executive head of the trust which runs the school, said it was important that it was raffled off, rather then being auctioned.

"Getting the money is really important, but engaging the community is equally important.

"If it was an auction then it would go to one individual. This way every child - and every parent - who's got £1, can know that they are in with a chance."

The school, in The Hides, Harlow has 400 children on its books.

The singer hopes the instrument will help raise a lot of money for the Essex school.

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