COLDPLAY - MARTIN HELPS LAUNCH CHARITY DOWNLOAD PLAN

COLDPLAY frontman CHRIS MARTIN is among the stars helping British charity OXFAM launch an online downloading scheme - which helps poverty-stricken people across the world.

The CLOCKS singer has donated free tracks to the venture BIGNOISEMUSIC.COM, which will see 18 cents in every $1.80 (10 pence in every GBP1) spent by customers donated to the charity. Joining Martin in the initiative is fellow British singer GEORGE MICHAEL.

New dad Chris says, "Paying to download from BigNoiseMusic.com seems like a good idea when you know your money is going to help some of the world's poorest people."

Other features of the site will include a chance to sign Oxfam's global petition BIG NOISE and information about how to help the organizations MAKE TRADE FAIR campaign.

The site will be open for business tomorrow (26MAY04).