World famous celebrities have got to grips with American hardwood in a project to raise money for research into premature birth.

Household names such as David Beckham, Phil Collins, the Duchess of York and Hugh Grant have decorated 31 tulipwood blocks, donated by the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC), in aid of Tommy’s, which raises money for research into premature birth.

The hand-prepared blocks, featured in the Sunday Times on October 13, were made from lumber supplied by International Timber as part of a fund-raising project involving 150 celebrities.

&#8220The characteristics of tulipwood, coupled with its environmental credentials, made it the perfect choice for such an original project.”

David Venables, European director of AHEC.

David Venables, European director of AHEC, said: “The characteristics of tulipwood, coupled with its environmental credentials, made it the perfect choice for such an original project.”