Forty years after Mull of Kintyre topped the festive chart, Sir Paul McCartney is backing a new charity in the region to help relieve deprivation and give the local economy a long-term boost.

The bagpipe sounds of the Campbeltown Pipe Band memorably accompanied the track by McCartney's ex-band Wings which was written in tribute to the picturesque Scottish peninsula where he owns a farm.

The Beatle has donated signed memorabilia for an online auction to raise cash for Kintyre Seasports which has been formed by 15 community organisations to improve life chances for local youngsters and families by developing marine sports on Campbeltown Loch.

Its aim is to build a nationally recognised training and event centre, and fund growth through tourism.

Campbell Fox, chair of Kintyre Seasports - run entirely by volunteers - said: "Kintyre is blessed with outstanding natural resources but it has more than its fair share of disadvantaged young people.

"The Seasports project involves them and the entire community in sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, rowing, open water swimming and diving.

"If you imagine an 18-year old registered carer from Campbeltown training as an instructor, teaching local kids and holidaymakers how to sail and going on to compete in international competitions, you have the picture.

"Sir Paul has donated signed memorabilia to help us raise funds through a charity auction. What's more he has offered to personalise the items on behalf of the successful bidders, which is a great gesture."

The donated items are an autographed special edition DVD of Ron Howard's Beatles film Eight Days A Week, a signed colour photograph of McCartney and an autographed copy of a book which accompanies a limited deluxe edition of his 2011 remastered McCartney II solo album.

Auctioneers Tracks Ltd are running the auction without taking commission.

Paul Wane, of Tracks, said: "We expect worldwide interest in the photograph, DVD and book Sir Paul McCartney has given to Seasports.

"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire signed and personalised material direct from the man himself.

"We only learned of the Seasports project recently but we are delighted to be able to help such a good cause".

The items will go on sale on eBay from 0900 (GMT) on Friday December 22 at the website www.tracks.co.uk