A DRUM skin signed by rock legend Jimmy Page will be auctioned for charity in memory of Grammy awardwinning drummer Michael Lee on the third anniversary of his death.

The skin was given to Darlington- born Mr Lee by the Led Zeppelin guitarist in 1994, when the drummer toured with Page and Led Zep frontman Robert Plant on their reunification gigs.

It will be auctioned at a charity night commemorating the anniversary of Mr Lee’s death tonight, along with another three of his personal items which have been donated by his cousin, Steve Metcalfe.

Also going under the hammer will be a poster signed by the reformed Thin Lizzy when Mr Lee toured with them; a studded belt belonging to Mr Lee; and an artwork edition version of a 12in vinyl of I Ain’t Gonna Cry, by Scarborough band Little Angels, with whom Mr Lee started his professional career.

Born Michael Gary Pearson, Mr Lee was hailed as one of the most talented drummers of his generation, and played with bands including Aerosmith, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cult and Lenny Kravitz.

He was best known for his work with Page and Plant after he landed a gig in Plant’s solo band in the early Nineties and stayed with the singer when he reunited with Page in 1994.

The drummer toured extensively with the Zeppelin duo and was credited on every song on their 1998 Walking into Clarksdale album.

Mr Lee died aged 39, as a result of an epileptic seizure.

Along with 150 friends and family members, Page attended his funeral, and Plant, along with John Sykes, of Thin Lizzy, and rock band the Quireboys sent individual floral tributes.

The money raised from the night will go to Epilepsy Action and Macmillan Cancer Support.

The night has been organised by The Quakerhouse, off High Row, Darlington, a pub where Mr Metcalfe used to be landlord, and Mr Lee used to play at open mic sessions.

Friends of Mr Metcalfe, 53, and staff from the pub organised a night in memory of Mr Lee last year on the anniversary of his death.

Mr Metcalfe said: “It is difficult to auction these things, but I have got memorabilia all over the wall. I would rather it went to someone who wanted it than it was sitting in a cupboard somewhere, and it will also raise money for two good causes.

“I am sure Michael would approve of it being auctioned for charity.”

He said Mr Lee’s brother and sister, Tony and Janet, were also expected to attend.

“I am really looking forward to the night,” Mr Metcalfe added. “I was surprised last year – I couldn’t believe it.

It was quite emotional. Hopefully, it will become an annual thing.”

The charity night, which will feature Jimi Hendrix tribute act Sundance, and Tyneside Thin Lizzy tribute Thyn Lizzy, starts at 7pm tonight in The Quakerhouse, with the first band playing at 8.30pm.

Admission is free. Charity donations are welcome.