SHIRLEY BASSEY - SHIRLEY BASSEY SELLS HER CLOTHES

Veteran singer SHIRLEY BASSEY is auctioning off her famous collection of stage gowns in order to help musical students.

The kind-hearted Welsh star has picked 50 dresses to go under the hammer at London auction house CHRISTIE'S on 18 September (03) - even though she has resisted parting with any frocks before as they all have strong memories for her.

Shirley explains, "Now I want to see them go while I'm alive. I want to see where they go and where the money goes.

"I don't want somebody fighting over them after I've gone. I've had great success from these gowns and I'd like to see them go to a worthy cause."

Cash raised from the GOLDFINGER star's clothes will go to the DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY SCHOLARSHIP at the ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE OF MUSIC AND DRAMA in Cardiff, Wales, and to the NOAH'S ARK MUSIC APPEAL, also in her native country.

The auction is anticipated to raise more than $80,000 (GBP50,000).