Walk of Fame receives a makeover

Several stars have been branded potential safety hazards to pedestrians

Hollywood's iconic Walk of Fame stars are getting a $4.2m (£2m) makeover ahead of the tourist attraction's 50th birthday celebrations in 2010.

About 778 of the famous pink stars, which are embedded in a stretch of pavement in and around Hollywood Boulevard, need replacing.

Many, including that of Dynasty actress Joan Collins, have been deemed unsafe.

The commemorative plaques celebrate the lives of entertainment stars. They were officially launched in November 1960.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is hoping to raise the money needed for the repairs through private and public funds.

The first corporate sponsor of the attraction - Absolut Vodka - will also receive an honorary star on the Walk of Fame.

'Treasured'

The stars currently populate a stretch of pavement about two-and-a-half miles in length and are Hollywood's most popular tourist attraction.

President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Leron Gubler said: "It is a treasured piece of Hollywood and it is our deeply felt responsibility to provide for its preservation into the future."

The idea was first envisioned in 1958 and the attraction was designated a historic landmark by the city of Los Angeles twenty years later.

Achievers in the entertainment industry are chosen by a committee to appear on a prestigious star.

There are currently 2,365 recipients, who are recognised in five categories: Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, Recording or Live Theatre.

The first star went to Oscar-winner actress Joanne Woodward - Paul Newman's wife, and the star of The Three Faces of Eve and Mr & Mrs Bridge.

Other famous names on the walkway include Bob Hope, Jack Nicholson, Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson and Kermit The Frog.

The latest entertainers to be honoured include Robert Downey Jr, Cameron Diaz and Sir Ben Kingsley. Their stars will be unveiled in 2009.