(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Oprah Winfrey took part in the biggest ever group climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday.

The 56-year-old television host mounted the iconic landmark in Sydney, Australia, alongside 249 other people. Oprah was joined by her pal Gayle King for the ascent of the landmark, and the night before was honoured with the lighting of the red O on the bridge.

A glamorous party and fireworks display was put on for the US star, who has taken her talk show down under for two special programmes to honour its 25th and final season. She also took 300 US audience members with her.

Oprah had reason to be in a good mood as she has topped The Giving Back Fund list, which marks celebrities who have given the largest charity donations in a year. The star has donated more than $40 million to charitable causes, mainly via the Oprah Winfrey Foundation which is most famous for the work it does to help women and children.

Novelist Nora Roberts came second in the list, having donated $4.45 million to the Nora Roberts Foundation which supports literacy in underprivileged areas.

The list is based on contributions made in 2009 and doesnt register pledges or donations to public charities which are not disclosed in public. (C) Cover Media