X Factor winner's single profits to be given to charity

This year's X Factor winner's single will be released in aid of two charities.

Syco Entertainment will split profits between Great Ormond Street Hospital and Together for Short Lives.

The charity single will be digitally released on 15 December and in stores on 18 December.

The two finalists will perform their prospective winner's singles during the live final, with the song available to download once the winner is crowned.

The show's creator, Simon Cowell, said: "Every day they (the two charities) do inspiring work and help a load of kids and their families, all of which need their expertise and support.

"I have been lucky enough to see first-hand the great work that both of these charities do and I am thrilled that we can do something to help by donating the sales of The X Factor winner's single to them both."

The single will be the sixth charity release from The X Factor.

At least £1 for each CD sold and at least 20p for each download sold in the UK will be donated to charity.

It will be the second winner's single to raise funds for Together for Short Lives, a charity supporting children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions, following James Arthur's Impossible last year.

James Arthur's winner's single, Impossible, raised money for charity last year

Barbara Gelb, CEO of Together for Short Lives, said the charity was "absolutely delighted" to be benefiting from the single.

She added: "Through this fantastic partnership we have been able to reach out to thousands of families and the money raised has made a real difference to local services, like children's hospices, which deliver lifeline support to children and families."

In 2011 the X Factor finalists recorded a cover of the Rose Royce classic Wishing On A Star, while in 2010 they released a reworking of David Bowie's Heroes.

The proceeds from 2008's single, Hero, went towards the Help For Heroes charity and in 2009 a cover of Michael Jackson's You Are Not Alone supported Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

The charity's Chief Executive, Tim Johnson, said: "We're thrilled to be chosen to benefit from this year's X Factor winner's single.

"The children, families and staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital are so excited to be a part of such a popular show that really captures the nation's imagination."

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