Actress Maureen Lipman is to draw on one of her other talents to help raise money for Holocaust remembrance.

A signed painting by the actress is to be auctioned at the White Rose ball later this month, where she will also host proceedings.

The star-studded affair, which will include performances by Liza Minelli and the cast of Jersey Boys, has been organised to help fund the Holocaust Education Centre in Nottinghamshire.

The event has been backed by stars including Stephen Fry and Elaine Page and will take place in London on September 25.

Ms Lipman's painting is one of a number of valuable items goung under the hammer at the party; bidders can also get their hands on a Faberge egg and a work by "Banksy".

The actress said that as a schoolgirl she had loved painting but the other pupils were always "better" than she was. Given a blank canvas later in life, she rediscovered her passion.

"I was so mesmerised by the paint that I stayed up till 2.30 am in the morning," she said.

Find out more about the White Rose ball at www.whiteroseball.org