Brits downloads to benefit War Child

The charity War Child, which is being given an honorary award at tonight's Brit Awards, is to benefit from download sales from the ceremony.

Fans will be able to buy the live versions of songs performed at the O2 Arena at the spectacular show through the iTunes store.

Organisers have announced that profits from sales for the first month will go to War Child, which is being given a "special recognition" award for its work over the past two decades.

The organisation, founded in 1993, helps children whose lives are affected by war zones. The charity has had a long association with the music business, notably in 1995 when stars such as Sir Paul McCartney and Radiohead put together a fundraising album, Help, in the space of three days.

On Monday night rock band Muse played a pre-Brits concert for War Child at London's Shepherd's Bush Empire.

Acts such as One Direction, Robbie Williams and Emeli Sande are among the stars performing at tonight's ceremony. In past years, profits from iTunes downloads from the ceremony had gone to the Brits Trust.

PA