Chris Martin’s tired old trainers, Kate Moss’s Mulberry stilettos and Liam Gallagher’s sand boots are just some of the shoes which have sold in support of a Highgate charity.

The Small Steps Project was set up by former celebrity journalist Amy Hanson after she visited Cambodia and saw children with no shoes working on rubbish dumps.

Small Steps now holds a yearly charity auction in which stars donate shoes which sell for thousands.

The money is then spent on helping children and families who live on rubbish dumps take small steps out of poverty.

This year Hampstead and Highgate residents including Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, model Kate Moss, singer Liam Gallagher and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood supported the cause.

Chris Martin, who lives in Belsize Park, said: “These shoes come from the beginning of the Mylo Xyloto album project.

“They are sort of homemade and I love them. I was proud to be asked to donate to this wonderful cause.”

Ricky Gervais, who lives in Hampstead, said: “I wore these shoes when I guest starred in Curb Your Enthusiasm and on my HBO special Talking Funny.

“I hope they found a good home and raised loads of cash.”

This year’s third celebrity shoe auction launched with pairs including from Liz Hurley, Ben Stiller, Simon Pegg, Paul Smith, Keira Knightley, Kevin Bacon and Klariza Clayton.

Ms Hanson said: “Celebrities get a lot of free stuff whereas children on dumps are surviving on nothing.

“I wanted to try to turn this on its head and encourage those with more than enough shoes to recycle and help provide shoes for those with nothing.”

More than �7,000 was raised on the night followed by �13,000 in the online auction which followed.

Ms Hanson said: “Some of the celebrities really went above and beyond by using their celebrity status to help create awareness about the charity and auction.”

She added: “I have been bowled over by many of the celebrities and how many of them want to use their status to help others.”

n To find out more visit www.smallstepsproject.org