Welsh superstar donates her cast-offs to Barnardo’s charity store in Marylebone

Shirley Bassey always sings that Diamonds Are Forever. But luckily for one Marylebone charity shop she doesn’t have the same attitude to clothes.

The Welsh diva, whose timeless hits include Goldfinger and Big Spender, gave fans a unique opportunity to literally step into her shoes when she recently dropped off some donation bags to Barnardo’s in George Street.

But far from just containing old cast-offs, they gift a Ralph Lauren cardigan, Sonia Rykiel skirt and Davos Gomma and Paul Mayer shoes.

Shop manager Russell Lewendon said: “When she comes to London, Dame Shirley usually stays at a hotel around here and has donated stuff to us in the past.

“We have a van driver who picks stuff up and distributes it around our stores.

“So, when people like her phone, you drop everything and get there straight away. I think the driver is hoping to bump into her.”

For those looking to splash the cash on a designer outfit, a Dame Shirley blouse by Blumarine will set you back �99.99 or a black Kenzo cardigan costs �69.99.

At the opposite end of the scale is the chance to own a pair of the singer’s jeans for just �19.99.

Mr Lewendon says the donations offer buyers the chance to get some genuine memorabilia or simply buy some high-quality clothing.

“She does have quite a strong fan base of serious fans so people have travelled quite far to come and buy things in the past,” he said.

“It’s all really good quality stuff. It’s quite extraordinary because the clothes are hardly even worn and in really good condition.”

Other celebrities who have given to the Marylebone store include Jonathan Ross, Dame Helen Mirren, Rosamund Pike and Kate Winslet. Michelle Collins and Melinda Messenger also attended the opening of the store in 2006.

The shop’s profits go towards Barnardo’s work helping vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people throughout the UK.

All donations to the store – from global superstars to local residents – will be welcomed.