Beckham art auctioned for charity

Emin's work is one of 25 pieces being auctioned

Artwork inspired by footballer David Beckham went under the hammer for charity on Thursday, making more than £150,000 for deaf children.

Tracey Emin and Antony Gormley were among those to have contributed to the auction at Christie's, in London.

Emin submitted a Polaroid of herself, naked but for a pair of knickers, writing a letter to the England star.

The money raised will go to the National Deaf Children's Society - but Beckham himself could not attend.

But the England captain did say: "They do a lot of fantastic work on the ground and I admire the support they provide to help these children lead a normal life."

'Globally recognised'

The auction raised £60,000 with another £92,000 coming from ticket sales, a raffle and donations.

Turner Prize nominee David Mach, former Frankie Goes To Hollywood singer Holly Johnson and renowned artist Sir Peter Blake also contributed artwork.

Organiser Hugo Rittson-Thomas said: "David Beckham is the most globally recognised icon of the decade.

Tracey Emin wrote a letter to Beckham

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"He appeals to boys and girls, young and old, gay and straight. I can't think of anyone else within his reach.

"The artists have been extremely generous with their time and skills and I'm sure we will not have any trouble finding buyers for these fantastic works."

Emin's work was accompanied by the letter, which is written on headed notepaper from the Peninsula hotel in New York.

In the letter she told Beckham he was a "really good captain" and urged him to ignore those who judge him and his wife, Victoria.

Emin, whose past works include her unmade bed and a tent embroidered with the names of everyone she has ever slept with, said she wanted to show support for the footballer.

"I get very angry when people are not appreciated for what they do, people forget he is a really good footballer," she said.