BBC News Online: Entertainment

Britney's Valentine kiss boosts charity

An autographed smacker from the teenage singer is being auctioned by internet portal Yahoo!, along with kisses from Michael J Fox, Janet Jackson and Jon Bon Jovi.

Spears' kiss is selling for £441 - but a kiss from Canadian singer Sarah McLachlan has so far fetched £775.

Sir Elton has been offered £690 for one of his kisses, while one from Michael J Fox is up for £245.

Sir Elton, chairman and founder of the Elton John Aids Foundation, said: "Valentine's Day means love. Love means safe sex. Safe sex means love lasts."

A similar auction last year raised more than £11,500 for his charity.

"Valentine's day is a great opportunity to reach out to loved ones and help make a difference," added Yahoo! spokesperson Lindsay Biggart.

Bids can be made up until the end of Valentine's Day on the Yahoo! Auctions site.

Cash raised from the auction will fund educational programs targeted at Aids prevention, and the elimination of prejudice and discrimination against HIV affected individuals.

It will also help provide and programs that provide services for people living with HIV/Aids.