Charity auction featuring Ed Sheeran's boxers brought forward

The donated items included 73 pairs of socks and 149 boxer shorts - half of which have been worn by Ed Sheeran

A charity auction of Ed Sheeran's pre-owned clothes - including his underwear - has been brought forward.

A total of 445 items have been given to East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) shop in Framlingham, Suffolk, where the singer grew up.

Many of the items will be auctioned on charity's eBay site, which opened early due to public interest.

Kevin Clements, EACH director of fundraising and communications, said: "It's an extraordinary gesture."

The majority of the haul will be auctioned on the charity's eBay page

As well as socks and boxers, the donation includes a variety of clothes, Ipswich Town merchandise, belts, bags and other accessories.

"Garments will not be washed or ironed - they will be sold as received," said a statement from the charity, which also confirmed about half of the underwear had been worn by Sheeran.

Each sold item will also be accompanied by a signed letter of authenticity.

"He has fans all over the world and these donations will undoubtedly cause a stir," said Mr Clements.

"It's going to be exciting and fascinating to see how things pan out."

Ed Sheeran has been a supporter of East Anglia's Children's Hospices for many years

EACH will release the items in staggered auctions across the rest of the year, with a second sale in early 2024.

The initial auction was set to go live on 16 November but due to "overwhelming" public interest, EACH made the decision to bring the auction forward, with 20 items released at midday and a further 40 being released at 20:00 GMT.

Of the donated pieces, 20 are being reserved for new EACH shop openings.

With a starting price of £9.99 for each item, Mr Clements said: "His generosity will raise thousands of pounds for our wonderful charity."

The charity cares for children with life-threatening conditions and supports their families across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.

"We realise how lucky we are. It's invaluable and helps raise the profile of the vital care we provide to local children and families," continued Mr Clements.

Sheeran previously donated his clothes to the charity in 2014 - the same year he became an ambassador - which raised £7,500.