The singer donated the money to 'legendary venues' that are struggling

Musician Sam Fender has donated his Mercury Prize winnings to a charity which acts to protect and improve UK grassroots music venues.

The singer from North Shields, who won the award for his third studio album, People Watching, has given £25,000 to Music Venue Trust (MVT) in recognition of the role grassroots venues played in his early career.

Fender, 31, 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.”

Fender won the prize in October in an award ceremony held in Newcastle, marking the first time the event had been held outside London.

Among the other acts on the

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