Elton John party raises £4 million

Elton John's annual Oscars party raised £4 million for his own AIDS Foundation.

According to The Mirror, the veteran popstar's celebrity auction was as successful ever, despite the recent credit crunch.

"We're supposedly struggling through a recession, and yet it keeps getting better every year," said John.

Stars at the event included Simon Cowell, Victoria Beckham, Sharon Osbourne, Katie Price, Glee stars Lea Michele and Cory Monteith and Heroes actress Hayden Panettiere.

Gifts on offer at the auction included holidays at John's homes and tennis lessons with Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf.