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CHER AND MADONNA PROVE CHARITY STARTS AT HOME

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5 SEPTEMBER 2006

Pop's leading ladies apparently aren't averse to parting with their prized possessions when they're called upon to help a good cause. Iconic singers Cher and Madonna have both decided to let some of their favourite things go under the hammer in order to raise money for charity.

A selection of Cher's possessions has gone on show at Sotheby's auction house in London ahead of a sale that is expected to raise well over $1 million. The 60-year-old singer apparently decided it was time to clean out her closet, as she is selling off 800 items from her Malibu home to benefit her charitable foundation.

The lots include everything from stage costumes and jewellery through to works of art, antique furniture and even a Humvee car. "This is a lot more than a garage sale - apart from the dresses and jewels there are old masters and architectural drawings," said a spokesman. "One million dollars is a conservative estimate. It doesn't include the 'Cher factor'."

And the Material Girl has meanwhile proven she's not that materialistic after all by agreeing to sell the tiara she wore on her wedding day. Madonna has donated the £170,000 headpiece to Rebuild The Soul Of America, which is staging an online auction of celebrity jewels to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.