Buckley's mother backs chart campaign

Jeff Buckley's mother has offered her backing to the Christmas number one campaign organised by his fans.

Supporters of the late musician are hoping that his version of Leonard Cohen's 'Hallelujah' will reach the top spot tomorrow, rather than the cover recorded by new X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

The singer's mother Mary Guibert has now announced that Buckley would have been pleased by the dedication of his fans, who have used social networking sites like Facebook to publicise their efforts.

"I think Jeff would have found this number one thing very amusing," Guibert told The Independent. "It's ironic in so many ways. I mean, here is The X Factor, run by Simon Cowell, who is supposed to be the ultimate taste arbiter, and they've been run to the wire by my son.

"It's come about so organically, with no record label pushing it, and I think Jeff would have loved that, and loved his fans for doing it."

Buckley recorded his rendition of the track for his 1994 album Grace. He died in a swimming accident in 1997.