Gordon Brown buys X Factor 'Hero'

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to the X Factor finalists and revealed he is buying a copy for wife Sarah's birthday.

Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Brown commended the charity work of the X Factor hopefuls and contrasted it with that of Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand.

"Some of our best-known British celebrities have been under attack this week for their behaviour within the BBC," he said. "But I think we have to remember also that some of our celebrities are doing great work for charity and giving their time to help other people.

"I thought it was really impressive that the first thing that these stars from X Factor have done with their fame is to make this record to help our injured soldiers and their families.

"I am really grateful to everyone associated with the X Factor for what they have done. I hope that the disc sells well, and I think I might be buying a copy for my wife's birthday tomorrow."

Yesterday, Chancellor Alistair Darling announced that VAT would be removed from sales of the single.

> Click here to read our review of the 'X Factor' single