THE date has been revealed for pop star Example's big Greenock gig in aid of Ardgowan Hospice.

The Brit-nominated singer songwriter is being brought to the town by hospice patron Martin Compston and has agreed to play for free in aid of the charity.

Martin - who guest edited the Tele earlier this year - will fly in from his home in Los Angeles to organise the event, which will be held in Greenock Town Hall on Thursday June 28.

The Line of Duty star says he is excited to be able to bring such a big name to Greenock - while also revealing a special guest has been added to the line-up.

He said: "I'm chuffed we can attract such a major act to the town and very grateful he has agreed to give us his time completely free.

"I can also announce that Example will be followed by the legendary George Bowie Experience.

"Like many people in Scotland, it was a staple of my youth and I can’t wait to relive it.

"George also isn’t taking a single penny from us to play. I'm completely bowled over by the kindness of these guys in giving up their time and working for free.

"Putting on gigs, as I’ve found out over the last few years, isn't cheap and every penny saved on expenses stays in the donation pot, so it's a huge thank you to both of them."

The star, who has had a string of number one hits including Changed the Way You Kiss Me, Kickstarts and Stay Awake, is one of the British music industry’s most critically acclaimed performers.

He has collaborated with artists like Ed Sheeran and The Pet Shop Boys and performed at festivals such as Glastonbury and T in the Park.

Example is the latest big name Martin has brought to Greenock in aid of Ardgowan, after previously staging a sell-out gig headlined by Dundee rockers The View.

Martin described the concert as ‘one of the best nights of his life’, taking to the stage himself during the performance to thank fans for supporting the charity, of which he is a patron.

He also put on a star-studded comedy gala in 2015 for Ardgowan, headlined by Frankie Boyle, and in 2016 hosted his ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon and football journalist Graham Hunter for a football question and answer evening.

Martin told the Tele that the charity gig will remain in Greenock, despite the possibility of filling bigger venues elsewhere.

He added: "I'd like to say a big thank you to the Telegraph and Inverclyde Leisure for their continued support of the events. Their backing has made it a lot easier for us to have the confidence to keep putting them on.

"With acts as big as Frankie Boyle and now Example, some folk have told me to take the events to bigger venues in Glasgow, but it’s important to to me they always take place in Greenock.

"The hospice and it’s staff are an integral part of our community and it’s important that these fundraising efforts are driven from within the town. The support we’ve had over the years has been fantastic and hopefully we get another big turnout.

"See you all there - it should be a cracking night for a dance!"

Tickets are available by visiting

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3433121

The event is over 18s only and all monies raised will go to the hospice.