Bass guitarist Mark Griffiths, who has played for legendary group The Shadows, has helped a charity tune into a new fundraising project for terminally ill people.

He has developed a series of retro-guitars being sold by Sue Ryder – aptly called The Ryder – which the organisation hopes will strike a chord with music lovers.

It is part of the charity’s scheme to sell musical instruments both on line and in its shops, such as in Keighley, Haworth, Bingley and Ilkley.

The Ryder comes in ten models, four solid bodied electric, one semi-acoustic, two acoustic, two classical and an electric bass.

All the guitar models are available on the internet and some models in the Sue Ryder shops along with violins, alto saxophones, tambourines, harmonicas, clarinets, flutes and other musical accessories.

The instruments are designed to appeal to beginners and advanced players.

Mr Griffiths said: “The Ryder guitars are great value for money – they are within the student price range but can be used by professionals.

“All of the guitars have been through a rigorous testing process to ensure they really do deliver.”

Alan Hodges, director of Retail at Sue Ryder Care, said the collection of Ryder guitars was unique.

“It’s stylish and is made using quality components, chosen, tested and approved by Mark to ensure each guitar delivers an outstanding performance.

“By buying one and supporting Sue Ryder in this way, local people can help us make a real difference to the lives of the thousands of people we care for each year.”

With the festival season in full swing the charity is encouraging music lovers to create a soundtrack to their summer by using the Ryder and the other instruments. According to recent research, more than 20 per cent of the UK population over the next five years will play an instrument with an additional 15.5 million people declaring they would also like to learn to play music.

Sue Ryder Care’s musical instruments are available from its shops and online at suerydercareshop.com and ryderguitars.co.uk. All money raised from the sales will help provide quality care for people living with end of life and long-term conditions including cancer, stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Neurone Disease.

e-mail: clive.white@telegraphandargus.co.uk