Lumley returns to modelling roots

British actress Joanna Lumley has modelled a gold-and-diamond necklace shaped like a tiger to boost awareness of an auction to raise funds for an animal charity.

The Absolutely Fabulous star has been snapped wearing the Shere Khan Necklace, which is to be put under the hammer for the Born Free Foundation, which hopes to raise a mammoth $480,000 (£300,000) to help save the wild tiger from extinction.

Lumley says, '"I feel very much that it's almost a royal piece. The necklace is so special it can be worn with anything, though I feel a strapless evening gown and long evening gloves would show it to perfection. The moment you put the necklace on, it comes alive!

"It feels great, like a badge of office, but it's incredibly comfortable and easy to wear. It reminds me of the fabulous pieces in the Duchess of Windsor's collection - panthers and leopards. I adore extreme looks and this is blingtastic!"

The piece, which consists of 182 diamonds and gemstones set in an 18ct gold tiger, will go up for sale at a gala at London's Savoy Hotel on 17 June to mark the 80th birthday of actress and Born Free founder Virginia McKenna, who starred in the famous 1966 film of the same name.