Winslet sells dress for $40,000

A dress designed for Hollywood actress Kate Winslet has been sold at an auction for $40,000 (€27,200).

The 'Titanic' star sold the Vivienne Westwood creation to raise funds for Cardboard Citizens, a homeless people's theatre company.

The 32-year-old - who is ambassador for the charity - wore the red dress at a benefit, before auctioning the outfit at the end of the night.

She says: "Vivienne Westwood created the dress especially for me for this occasion and it is a really beautiful piece.

"I hope the winning bidder enjoys wearing it as much as I did."