WIREDGOV

There's just one week to go before the New Routemaster bus sculptures are auctioned for charity.

More than 50 of the sculptures are up for grabs as they go under the hammer at a live auction taking place in central London at 19:00 on Tuesday 24 March.

Painted and adorned by well-known and aspiring artists, the buses first went on display in October last year on four walking trails across the Capital. They were then brought together at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London for a final show.

Now everybody has the chance to bid for one of these unique works of art - and all for a good cause.

From iconic London landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, and artwork featuring the works of Cath Kidston and Orla Kiely, through to quirky, bold geometric, psychedelic and punked up designs, there really is something for everyone.

All funds raised by the auction will go to three charities: Kids Company which provides practical, emotional and educational support to inner-city children and vulnerable families; international development charity Transaid; and London Transport Museum in Covent Garden.

Leon Daniels, managing director of Surface Transport at TfL, said: 'The search has begun to find new homes for the Year of the Bus sculptures, which have captured the imaginations of so many in our city. The auction gives individuals and organisations the opportunity to own a unique miniature version of one of the Capital's most recognisable icons while raising money for three admirable charities at the same time.'

• Bidding is now under way at www.i-bidder.com/yearofthebus for the sculptures, which are 2.5m long, 1m high and 0.5m wide. Members of the public wanting to attend the live auction should register their interest at tfl.gov.uk/campaign/sculpture-trails