Bill Gates may have established himself as the world's biggest philanthropist but 2006 marked the year when he was outbid in both style and substance by his friend and fellow bridge player Warren Buffett.

With a single decision in June, Mr Buffett, the force behind the investment company Berkshire Hathaway, not only pledged $31bn (£16bn, €24bn) - as much money as Mr Gates' foundation holds. The man known as the "Sage of Omaha" also entrusted the money to his friend to disburse rather than setting up an organisation in his own name like most wealthy donors.