JEWELLER to the stars, Steven Stone has given a huge boost to Manchester United star Andy Cole's fund-raising efforts.

The Whitefield-based businessman has donated a "diamond for Africa" to the newly launched Children's Fund to help children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic.

And the footballer popped down to Steven's Bury New Road showroom to take a closer look at the gem and setting, worth £3,000, which will be auctioned next month at a glittering celebrity dinner at the Palace Hotel in Oxford Street, Manchester.

The black-tie event will be attended by several of Andy's team-mates as well as celebrities from showbusiness and other sports.

The 46-year-old jeweller (pictured) supplied the soccer star's trademark diamond stud earring. He decided to help out after he saw a moving television report about Andy's recent visit to Zimbabwe where 500,000 children have been orphaned by AIDS. "Andy is a customer of mine who is very much part of the city scene; young, stylish and talented. I saw him in a new light in that report. What he had seen in Zimbabwe had obviously shaken him," said Steven, whose clientele includes Coronation Street stars, Hollywood film icons and sporting legends.

"I knew I had to do something to support this worthy cause. Andy buys diamonds from me so I thought what better than to give him a diamond for Africa.

"Ironically, the diamond I have donated was mined in neighbouring South Africa."

A delighted Andy added: "Seeing those kids in Zimbabwe made me realise how lucky we are in Britain. I know I'm in a privileged position and decided I had to do something to help those kids.

"I'm so grateful to Steven for his valuable contribution to the fund. I hope his generosity encourages others to support the cause because those kids I met out there both need and deserve our help."

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