Elton John has been clearing out some of his old clothes. But instead of simply putting a few things in a plastic bag and taking them down to a local charity shop, he has opened his own second-hand shop - with all proceeds going to his Aids charity.

Items cost 10% of the original price

The pop star is selling off 10,000 clothes and shoes from his famously outrageous collection, offering knockdown prices on designer goods. He hopes to raise £500,000.

Prices range from £6 for a shirt to £2,000 for the ultimate glamrock Christmas suit. With all items being sold at 10% of their original price the bargain hunters were out in force - snapping up Versace shirts for £25 and gaudy ties for £15.

The star, famed for his platform shoes and decadent clothing, took just three years to build up the collection, thought to be worth around £2.5m.

Elton John admits he is a shopaholic

He said: "People always give you stuff. It always amazes me that when you are struggling you have to buy stuff and when you have made it and can afford to buy it, people give you tons of stuff. But I am also a shopaholic.

"It is nice that people will get the benefit of me being a shopaholic and to raise money."

Robert Key, who organised the sale said: "He is a great shopper. Elton will go into a store and ask for a particular shirt and then buy it in six different colours.

"Don't forget that he has been touring for 30 years and he has always needed lots of clothes. It's nice for him to say `yes, I'm going to wear that tonight, or that, or that'.

All proceeds go to Elton John's aids charity

"It is a very eclectic collection. They are wonderful clothes and some of the jackets have been specially made. It is a great way for his fans to support the charity."
 

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