Rock legend SIR Elton John will leave his $351 million (GBP195 million) fortune to his 10 godchildren when he dies - including the kids of pals Elizabeth Hurley and DAVID and Victoria Beckham.

The CANDLE IN THE WIND singer lives with his long-term partner DAVID FURNISH, but the pair have no children of their own.

Instead John takes his duties as a godfather seriously and is keen to make sure the kids are always looked after.

He says, "There was a part of me going, 'Who am I going to leave this to, and it was going to be nobody.

"But David and I are godfathers to BROOKLYN BECKHAM and DAMIAN HURLEY. I have about 10 godchildren.

"We have enough godchildren to leave everything to now and take care of them. They are going to inherit a fair old whack - but our godchildren play a very big part in our lives."

Of his decision not to have a family of his own, he says, "It was an honest decision for us not to adopt. I thought, 'I am too selfish and too stuck in my ways.'"

01/10/2004 14:00