Celebrities' favourite books auctioned for charity

The Books Change Lives charity auction, which began on Monday and runs until October 27, features books that have inspired many leading figures in the worlds of literature, art, politics and entertainment.

Each has been asked to inscribe the book that has most inspired them with a few words about why that book is important to them.

Helen Mirren has signed 'Suite Francais' by Irene Nemirovsky, David Jason has chosen Kenneth Grahame’s 'The Wind in the Willows' and Gary Lineker has inscribed 'A Good Walk Spoiled' by John Feinstein.

Other celebrities that have chosen books for the auction include Cherie Booth, Sir Ian McKellen, Robbie Coltrane, David Cameron and Twiggy.

Book Aid International is also auctioning a number of original illustrations by some of the UK’s best loved illustrators including Nick Sharratt, Satoshi Kitamura and Sue Heap.

Lesley Pinder, Book Aid International spokeswoman said: “Education offers a route out of poverty and books are the foundation of lifelong learning, yet the majority of people in Africa cannot afford books of their own.

“The proceeds from this online auction will help Book Aid International support reading and learning in some of the world’s poorest countries by getting books into libraries, universities, hospitals and refugee camps.”

Lukanga Felix from Zambia, who has received books from the charity’s schemes, said: “Ever since I started reading books I’ve not been the same and believe a day may not pass without me reading a book or novel because I feel like something is missing.

“My encouragement to my fellow individuals is: lets develop the mentality of reading books to better our future and our lives because they make me think big about my future and look forward.”

To bid on a book go to http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/bookaidinternational or visit www.bookaid.org.