BOLTON pop star Badly Drawn Boy has been signed up to perform alongside Manchester music legends New Order and the Charlatans, in what is being billed as the biggest charity concert ever held in the city.

Organisers are hoping the concert will raise £1 million for the city's cancer specialist Christie Hospital.

The former Thornleigh Salesian College pupil, real name-Damon Gough, will share a stage at the MEN Arena on January 28, 2006, with former Smiths and New Order bassist Andy Rourke, New Order, and Mani, formerly of The Stone Roses.

Other bands which have expressed an interest in playing include the Doves, Bury five-piece Elbow, and Nine Black Alps.