A £3,000 Jacko Thriller

Michael Jackson is selling tickets at nearly £3,000 each to visit his Neverland fantasy ranch in California.

The open day next month will be restricted to 500 people, for what is being billed as "a once in a lifetime visit".

Half the tickets will be sold to the public, with the rest being offered to "invited guests".

Jackson, who is rumoured to be in financial difficulties because of his lavish lifestyle and poor record sales, will pocket about £1 million by throwing open the grounds of his home, but has promised to give nearly £700 from each ticket sold to charity.

The star rarely admits outsiders to the ranch, near Santa Barbara, which includes a fairground in the grounds, complete with a big wheel and dodgem cars. It was the scene of Elizabeth Taylor's marriage to builder Larry Fortensky in 1991.

Details of how to buy tickets for the oneday event on 13 September are still sketchy, and it is not clear if ticket-holders will get a tour of the house and bedrooms as well.

Advertising for the event promises "you will wish that this day could last forever" and urges: "Be one of the privileged few who have ever personally experienced this extraordinary and magical oasis".

Each ticket admits two people and includes a "goodie bag" said to be worth more than £600, with an original painting by Brazilian artist Romero Britto whose work featured on the cover of Jackson's CD for victims of the World Trade Center disaster.

They will also be given dinner and entertained by magicians.