MUSICIAN Paul Heaton is celebrating his 60th birthday today – and this is how you can mark his big day with a free drinks.

The singer-songwriter, who was previously a member of The Beautiful South and The Housemartins, announced that is his putting money behind the bar of 60 pubs for people to enjoy “before the money runs out or the bar runs dry”.

The Duke of Wellington in Brighton Road, Shoreham, is the only pub in Sussex Paul has chosen to take part.

Others on the 60-long list include pubs in Liverpool, Manchester, three in Hull and several across Wales, Ireland and Scotland.

Posting on social media, the popstar explained that the generous offer is to “bring people together” and give fans a “wee party, as we come out of covid and hit potential financial struggles”. He said: “To celebrate my 60th birthday (on Monday 9th May) I’d originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting and performing at 60 pubs across the UK & Ireland.

“However, due to recording delays caused by the pandemic, I’ve had to shelve these plans for the time being.

The Argus: Paul Heaton and Jacqui AbbottPaul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott

“Instead, I’ve decided that the next best way to celebrate this coming of age is to handpick 60 pubs across the UK and Ireland and put a given amount of money behind the bar of each one.

“Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out, or the pub runs dry).

“The hope is to bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support over the years, could do with a week party, as we come out of covid and hit potential financial struggles.”

Paul now tours with his former Beautiful South performer Jacqui Abbot.

The pair scored their first number one as a duo in 2020 with the album Manchester Calling.

The album had a total of 20,500 chart sales, 94 per cent of which were physical sales, the Official Charts Company said.

The Beautiful South enjoyed three number ones.