TELEVISION personality David Gest has released rare Michael Jackson memorabilia for an online auction to help two children’s charities.

The former I’m A Celebrity star collected the items during his years of friendship with the late King of Pop, and has donated them to the Liverpool Echo and Daily Post’s Liverpool Unites charity and the Variety Club.

The collection is made up of 18 collectors’ items and includes a never released before photograph of Michael wearing a veil, which is signed Michael Jackson 1998, and a Jackson family photograph signed by the music legend’s family.

Other key pieces are a signed original Thriller album and a Michael Jackson doll, which was signed by the star and is still in its original box.

David said: “I am delighted to donate this rare Michael Jackson memorabilia from my personal collection to two very worthwhile charities, Liverpool Unites and the Variety Club children’s charity, which I strongly support.

“Liverpool has become a second home to me and the affection and warmth the people of Liverpool and its surrounding areas has made me want to do something special for the children in need on Merseyside and my best friend, Michael Jackson, would have agreed.

“If I can even put a smile on one child's face, then I am a better man today than I was yesterday. I hope people will all join in, and bid for these one-of-a-kind items that will help raise the much needed funds these charities so richly deserve.”

The event will be held at Liverpool’s Adelphi on Friday, October 16, and will honour Hollywood actress Jane Russell, American soul star Ben E King, singer Percy Sledge and The Temptations’ Dennis Edwards. Other performers lined-up are Russell Thompkins Junior and The New Stylistics, US singer Deniece Williams, famous for songs such as Let’s Hear It For The Boy, and X-Factor winner Shayne Ward.