Singer Olly Murs gives his festive fee to charity

THE X Factor singer Olly Murs is to donate his fee for switching on a town's Christmas lights tonight to charity.

The singer, who came second to Joe McElderry in last year's competition, is being paid 15,000 by Renfrewshire council, which is cutting 500 jobs.

Murs will perform on stage in Paisley before being joined by Renfrewshire Provost Celia Lawson to switch on the lights.

The move drew criticism as the council is having to make cuts of 24 million and is axing hundreds of jobs, with opposition councillors describing it as an "extravagance".

Murs is to give 7,500 each to the Accord Hospice in Paisley and Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland.

He said he wanted to use the money to help "people who really need it".

He added: "I'm very lucky to be able to do this for a living. I've always had great support from fans in Scotland when I perform there and I'll always be very grateful for that.

"I've decided to give the fee for the show in Paisley away to two local charities, which I know will use it to help people that need it.

"I'm really looking forward to performing and switching on the lights, and I hope everyone has a great night."