GREENOCK actor Martin Compston is bringing one of the biggest names in British music to Greenock for a fundraising concert in aid of Ardgowan Hospice.

Singer-songwriter Example has agreed to play for free at the benefit gig, set to take place at Greenock Town Hall.

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 he hosted his ex-Celtic hero Neil Lennon in his home town for a football question and answer evening.

The former Hoops player and manager, the current Hibs boss, appeared alongside renowned sports journalist and Spanish football expert Graham Hunter for a special event in aid of the hospice.

Local lad Martin says bringing one of the UK’s hottest acts to his home town shows his continuing commitment to helping the hospice.

He told the Tele: “It’s nice to be able to reveal what we are doing this year as part of the guest editor slot.

“We’ve had some brilliant nights and everyone has very generously made sure they have all been extremely successful, raising a lot of valuable funding for the hospice.

“It is always hard to top the year before, but I’m hoping this gig will be the best yet we’ve staged.

“I know Example pretty well and he was happy to come on board when I told him about the cause. It took a bit of sorting out with recording and tour commitments, so we couldn’t put it on before Christmas like we normally do, but hopefully this will be something for people to look forward to.

"I’m hoping the people of Inverclyde turn out and make it a real success.”

The famous musician is a committed charity campaigner and an ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust. He also donated a water pump to a community in India while visiting with the Life Water charity on their Drop4drop campaign to introduce fresh water.

Martin added: “He’s a top bloke and does a lot for charity.

“I reckon he will go down a storm in Greenock.”

There is currently no finalised date confirmed for the gig, but it is hoped it will take place before the summer.