A charity auction for a steakhouse lunch with renowned oil trader T. Boone Pickens has sold for $125,000 (€96,842) - one of the largest sums raised in such an auction - as philanthropists and charities are forced to look for creative ways to raise money in the downturn.

The auction ran for 10 days until 23:00 GMT last night. Bidding began at $100,000, with all interested parties having to go through a pre-approval check. All proceeds go to Texas charity Big Brothers Big Sisters.