US TV's Clark sells memorabilia

American television host Dick Clark suffered a stroke in 2004

US TV host Dick Clark is to sell many items from his iconic collection of rock 'n' roll memorabilia for charity.

The pieces include the microphone that Clark, 76, used for 31 years whilst he hosted the live music and dance show American Bandstand.

"It was an extension of my right arm," Clark told Reuters. "I held on to it for several hours a day, every day."

A bustier worn by Madonna is also going under the hammer at Guernsey's Auction House in New York in December.

New generation

"I finally decided it was time to pass it on to a generation of people who would enjoy it before this stuff gets too old," said Clark.

It is believed the famous microphone could fetch between $10,000 (£5,300) to $100,00 (£53,000) according to Arlan Ettinger, founder of Guernsey's.

Other items include one of Sir Paul McCartney's left-handed basses, a beaded glove worn by Michael Jackson and an electric guitar autographed by Bruce Springsteen.

Clark, who has produced the Golden Globe and American Music Awards, is best-known for fronting a New Year's Eve TV show from New York's Times Square.

The presenter, who suffered a stroke in 2004, will donate part of the funds made to the TJ Martell Foundation which raises money to help combat cancer, leukaemia and AIDS.