British pop stars Take That have raised $21,600 (£13,500) for a hospice in England by auctioning off a huge metal statue used during their recent tour.

The group was reunited with former member Robbie Williams - who quit Take That in 1995 - for their sell-out Progress Live trek across Europe earlier this year (11), and part of the show saw them singing on a huge human-like structure, dubbed The Big Man.

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

Rimmer handed the money to Trinity Hospice near Blackpool, England.

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."