Leonardo DiCaprio raises $40 million for charity at Saint Tropez fundraising gala

Leonardo DiCaprio raised a staggering $40 million at his annual fundraising gala in Saint Tropez.

The Hollywood A-lister, whose foundation (LDF) is dedicated to preserving and saving the environment, was joined by a host of stars including Orlando Bloom, Elton John, Goldie Hawn and Naomi Campbell on Wednesday night.

DiCaprio, who hosted the inaugural fundraising event last year, was on hand to welcome the musicians, actors and models to Domaine Bertaud Belieu with a speech about the organisation.

He said: "Tonight’s event is about supporting LDFs efforts to protect key species like the tiger, rhino, shark, and mountain gorilla by working with governments to conserve the jungles, coral reefs and forests they call home.

"By focusing on protecting these critically-endangered iconic species is almost like setting up a worldwide network of Noahs arks."

The Wolf of Wall Street star then proceeded to open the live auction, which featured some rather impressive lots, overseen by Simon De Pury.

DiCaprio even donated a number of personal items including a Rolex and Andy Warhol and Bansky artworks from his personal collection.

Other lots included a personal concert with Elton John, which sold twice for $3 million, and the opportunity to attend a number of events including the Oscars with Harvey Weinstein, which raised £1.1 milllion.

The night ended with an impromptu rendition of Tiny Dancer by John, as well as a performance by John Legend.

Other stars that attended included Kate Hudson, Albert II Prince of Monaco, Heidi Klum, Petra Nemcova and Irina Shayk as well as DiCaprio's new girlfriend, model Kelly Rohrbach.