Elton John misses out on 'Superman' part

Sir Elton John's charitable attempts to buy a part in the next Superman film were foiled yesterday.

The 'Crocodile Rock' singer bid £40,000 at a fundraising event for the Old Vic theatre in London yesterday, but was outbid by a fellow knight - British businessman Sir Philip Green. It is believed that Green's wife will take the part.

Other auctions included a dinner date with heiress socialite Paris Hilton, which was snapped up for £30,000. The Old Vic's artistic director Kevin Spacey hailed the event as a "really valuable contribution to our work at the theatre".