A CUSTOM-BUILT Sophie Lancaster guitar amplifier signed by a host of top metal and rock bands will be auctioned off at a gig in November.

Leading amp brand Marshall donated the equipment to the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and had it signed by performers at this year’s Bloodstock Open Air festival.

It will go up for sale at Make A Noise 5, an annual celebration of Sophie’s life.

Danny Thomas from Marshall’s custom shop said he was ‘honoured’ to help the charity.

Artists who have autographed the amp include Machine Head, Anvil, Sepultura, Behemoth, Nile, Dreamcatcher, Dropkick Murphys, Evile, Dimmu Borgir, Dio Disciples and Amon Amarth.

Sophie’s mum, Sylvia, said: “We’re proud to have the support of Marshall in the work we’re doing to challenge the often violent prejudice faced by alternative people.”

Sophie was beaten to death in Bacup’s Stubbylee Park in August 2007 because of the way she dressed.