“An incredible gesture, demonstrating once again that artists absolutely understand how vital grassroots music venues are to their careers and to their communities”: Sam Fender to donate his Mercury winnings to the Music Venue Trust

Sam Fender.

Here’s a positive news story to bring a smile to your face on a grey autumn day: Sam Fender is to donate his £25,000 Mercury Prize winnings to the Music Venue Trust.

The 31-year-old North East singer-songwriter won the prize for his third album People Watching last month and has decided to give the prize money to the organisation that works to preserve small venues in the UK. In a statement, Fender said: "I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing today if it wasn’t for all the gigs I played around the North East, and beyond, when I was starting out. These venues are legendary, but they are struggling.”