SINGER Rod Stewart is donating £10,000 to help Cumbria's flood recovery.

The legendary performer contacted Carlisle United after hearing of how top clubs had snubbed the flood-hit club.

Blues chairman Andrew Jenkins had contacted a number of top-flight clubs in England and Scotland seeking raffle prize donations for a flood fundraiser.

Only Sunderland, Rangers and Everton - United's FA Cup fourth round opponents this weekend - obliged.

Now the singer, who is performing at Carlisle's United Brunton Park later this year, is backing flood recovery efforts with the five-figure sum.

The singer, 71, said: “I felt for Carlisle when I read about the problems they’ve had with their pitch and how hard it was for them to raise money.

“I wanted to help. I’m donating £10k to their flood fund and wish them best of luck in the FA Cup game against Everton.”

Details of exactly how the money will be used will be finalised next week, the club said today.

Mr Jenkins has called it a 'wonderful gesture'.

Andy Hall, Carlisle United's media officer, said: "Rod and his team have been magnificent from day one when they came here to do a reconnaissance mission to see if they could play here.

"It has been a hugely positive experience throughout and this generous donation just cements what we thought of the man in the first place. He is genuinely a nice man."

Carlisle United need to raise around £3million to repair Brunton Park after it was ravaged by December's floods.

More than £5million has also been raised by the Cumbria Community Foundation's flood recovery appeal since it was launched on December 5.

Tomorrow's cup game against Everton is a sell-out, with more than 17,000 people set to flock to Brunton Park.