Marco to fight for £50,000 fungi

Top chefs are to enter a battle to bag the first giant truffles of the season.

Five winter white Italian truffles weighing 3 1/2lb in total will be the star lot at a Sotheby's charity auction in the City on Thursday when they could fetch £50,000.

Chef-restaurateur Marco Pierre-White is among those determined to buy the highly prized delicacy, more aromatic than the black variety and celebrated for its garlicky flavour.

Biggest of the lot is a 121/4oz treasure the size of an average mango.

Liz Hurley will be on hand to help raise money for the Seven Springs Foundation.

Donators L'Aquilla Mediterranean Specialist Foods said: "It's a spectacular offering." The sale venue is being kept secret until tomorrow.