Katy Perry doll designed for charity

Toy company bosses have fashioned a Barbie doll inspired by pop star Katy Perry to raise funds for charity.

Staff at toy giant Mattel have created a new doll in the image of the singer to help raise money for the Project Angel Food organisation, which provides meals for sufferers of HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses.

The Katy Perry Barbie has blue hair and is dressed in a glittery dress reminiscent of the singer's wacky stage outfits.

The doll comes complete with 70 hand-painted cupcakes, a glittered candy cane microphone and stockings studded with Swarovski crystals.

The doll is being sold via an auction on Charitybuzz.com and bidding ends on 19 December.