FAMOUS faces from the worlds of sport, film, and television have pledged their support to a Colchester charity’s annual celebrity shoe auction.

Lepra, a 98-year-old non-profit leprosy organisation based in Middleborough, has unveiled details of its Giving Shoedays event for this year.

Taking place between November 25 and December 4, the auction will see an array of footwear belonging to well-known figures go under the hammer.

Each pair of shoes sold will raise much-needed funds to support Lepra’s continued efforts to support people with leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

This year’s auction has been launched by long-term support Dame Joanna Lumley OBE and endorsed by the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Rory Mcllroy.

In addition to raising funding, the event aims to shine a light on the charity’s footwear technicians and the importance of customised shoes for people affected by leprosy.

A spokesman for Lepra said: “The importance of Lepra’s specialist protective footwear extends beyond the physiological and protective benefits.

“They have come to represent the very rights, hopes and expectations we all share as human beings - they are a symbol of dignity, independence and freedom.

“Lepra’s protective footwear helps people to retain their employment and livelihood, to access education and healthcare, and to maintain family life and friendships.

“Costing just £6 to produce, even a small donation to the charity can have a life-changing impact of a person affected by leprosy.”

To find out more information visit lepra.org.uk/get-involved/giving-shoesday-2022.