Elton John has donated one of his own pianos to BBC Radio 2 to be used on the station's live music output.

The instrument will feature on Weekend Wogan, Radio 2 in Concert and Friday Night Is Music Night as well as being used for other live performances at Radio 2.

Fresh from his performance at the Radio 2 Electric Proms in October 2010, Elton said: "I'm delighted to donate one of my treasured pianos to Radio 2, who have supported me so much over the past 40 years. The piano is, of course, my favourite instrument to play and I hope it inspires the musicians who play it."

Lewis Carnie, Head of Programming at Radio 2 and 6 Music, added: "It's rare that Radio 2 receives such a generous gift, and we'd like to thank Elton for offering artists who visit the station the opportunity to perform on it and, hopefully, interpret Elton's own work."

The instrument will first be used on Weekend Wogan in December 2010. When not in use, the piano will be on display in Radio 2's reception area in London.

Back to Headlines