SOUTHAMPTON stage performer Danny La Rue made £30,000 in one afternoon - by selling off part of his collection of antiques.

The auction raised £10,000 more than expected for the star.

Among the highlights were a Regency bureau which sold for £3,200, a bronze statuette of David and Goliath which sold for double what was expected at £2,800, and a pair of paintings by artist Alfred Pollentine, which sold for £2,100.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Mr La Rue said: "The auction went extremely well indeed. I'm very happy. And they're over the moon too apparently.

"I'm sad in one way to see them go but happy too and it means that other people will be happy."

As reported exclusively in the Daily Echo last week, Mr La Rue decided to sell part of his antique collection because he is preparing to move to a smaller house, although he has no intention of leaving Southampton, where he has lived for the past 18 years.

Danny was not able to attend the auction, which took place at Charles Ross Fine Art Auction-eers in Woburn, Bedfordshire, as he is currently in pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham.

Danny has more money-making plans set for later in the year when he will be taking part in a charity show for Carla Lane's animal charity Animaline.