Nicolas Cage has donated $1m to help residents of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Cage, who has property in the affected Louisiana city, made his donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

A statement released by publicist Annett Wolf reads: "(Cage) wishes to help his neighbours during this most devastating time."

Yesterday it was reported that Morgan Freeman is helping to organise an auction to raise funds for the cause.