FOOTBALL pundit Barry Venison is shooting for the stars after opening a new celebrity laden memorabilia store in Wilmslow.

The former Liverpool defender and ITV commentator has launched the UK's first Bid4sport retail auction house at Handforth Dean health centre, Total Fitness.

Among his supporters at the grand opening was Wilmslow-based striker Andy Cole, whose own children's foundation stands to benefit from the new charity concept.

Starstruck residents will be able to view and bid for such priceless items as boxing shorts autographed by Muhammad Ali.

Other sporting exhibits include a metal cast of George Best's magical feet and a signed Real Madrid shirt worn by Spanish sensation Raul.

As well as sporting artefacts, the store also boasts hundreds of photos and books signed by politicians and stage and screen stars.

The store is a spin-off from bid4sport.com - a popular website set up by Barry Venison three years ago.

Barry is hopeful residents will find the perfect Christmas gift ideas at his new shop, helping him boost the coffers of deserving charities.

He said: "I really hope that people in Wilmslow get behind this. I don't think it would be possible to fill your Christmas stockings with a better gift than we can offer.

"These are all authentic signed goods from some of the most famous people in the world. But the great thing is that because we are a strict non-profit making organisation, all the proceeds go to help good causes - so everybody wins."

A Newcastle United shirt, worn and signed by Alan Shearer, was recently auctioned on the site for £2000.

All proceeds went to William Hardy, a young boy who lost three limbs due to meningitis.

Another charity to benefit from the store is the Andy Cole Children's Foundation.

The footballer helped to set up the charity for children suffering from starvation and Aids in some of the poorest parts of Africa.

Barry said: "We rely on the kindness of celebrities like Andy to help us. You only ever get to read about the scandals that famous people get involved in, but many people like Andy try very hard to use their fame to help others in need."

The charity shop will be open for at least six months and could become a permanent fixture at the fitness centre if it is successful.

For more information either contact Total Fitness on 0161 4402626 or visit www.bid4sport.com