A celebrity fund auction in aid of the Omagh appeal went live on the internet on Wednesday.

It is Ireland's first online celebrity auction, according to organisers Omagh District Council which is acting on behalf of the Omagh appeal.

The Omagh Fund was set up in the aftermath of last year's 15 August atrocity.

A bomb planted by the self-styled Real IRA in the Co Tyrone town killed 29 people and injured dozens of others.

A host of stars from the world of television, entertainment and sport have contributed to the Omagh Celebrity Fund Auction.

Top driver Eddie Irvine had donated helmet

Premiership football teams including Manchester United, Rangers, Celtic and Liverpool as well as Ulster and Republic of Ireland rugby stars have donated, among other things, team strips.

Formula One fans have a chance to bid for a helmet from Northern Ireland's Eddie Irvine which has been signed by all the top drivers. It has a reserve price of £10,000.

A commemorative book charting Manchester United's successes in the 1960s is also available to bidders. It has been signed by team members including George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law.

Book signed by George Best is up for auction

From the world of entertainment, the items include a jacket from TV actress Amanda Burton and a jumper from actor and comedian Ardal O'Hanlon.

Omagh district council chief executive John McKinney said: "As this is the last fundraising activity initiated on behalf of the fund before the close of the appeal, we hope that it will be a popular and successful one."

According to the organisers, new items will be added to the auction during its three week duration.

The auction can be accessed from 1 September until 21 September on www.auction.irl.net.