JAMES BROWN - JAMES BROWN MEMORABILIA SELLS FOR $800,000

Personal possessions belonging to the late soul singer James Brown have gone on auction in the US, raising $800,000 (£400,000).

Hundreds of items, including stage uniforms, instruments and awards, were put on auction in New York in a bid to help pay outstanding tax bills owed by the singer's estate.

Christie's auction house expert Simeon Lipman described the collection as 'wonderfully'.

"This is a great opportunity for collectors around the word to obtain a piece of the man, the myth and the legend, Mr James Brown," he added.

The most expensive item sold was a black cape embroidered with the words "James Brown", which fetched $47,500 (£23,750).

Brown died of pneumonia aged 73 on Christmas Day 2006.