IT'S unusual for a celebrity to do something for free and be any good at it; public acts of charity are all too often desperate flights of fancy, high above the snags of criticism.

Just look at Live 8. But every now and then someone pulls off a benefits night with real panache, and Will Mellor's billing this Saturday at the Opera House is set to reveal some greatness of talent as well as heart. That's a relief then.

The 29-year-old Salfordian has starred in Hollyoaks and Casualty in the past, although he is probably best known for his role as Gaz in BBC's cult youth sitcom, Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet of Crisps.

Spurred

His decision to compere and perform at this New Manchester Music concert in aid of Big Benefits was doubtlessly spurred on by his winning Celebrity Fame Academy in 2003, where proceeds from phone votes went to Comic Relief.

Which isn't the only similarity between that show and this. The long-term vision behind Fame Academy was to inspire young people into music, and New Manchester Music is - as you'd expect - a platform to showcase some top local, up-and-coming acts.

New material

Remaining on a TV tip, the line-up will include former Stars In Their Eyes winner Damien Grant, performing his own new material, as well as indie band Acousia, who recently supported Mark Owen on tour, headliner Helen Farley-Jones touting a new album, and acclaimed young folk-pop songstress Isobel Heyworth, fresh from a bewitching array of Northern Quarter gigs and with a debut limited edition LP, Close Your Eyes, currently garnering rave reviews.

All money raised will go to a number of local charities supported by Will and Big Benefits, including the 5 Star Scanner Appeal (Manchester Children's Hospital), Salford Heart Support, and When You Wish Upon A Star.

Will Mellor & New Manchester Music in aid of Big Benefits will be at the Manchester Opera House, Quay Street on Saturday, January 14. Starts 7.30pm. Tickets £15-£20. Call the Box Office on 0870 060 1768 or click here to book online. Tweet