Donation solves HMV song problem

Faryl Smith has released the fastest-selling solo classical debut album

Music chain HMV has agreed to pay £21 to charity to avoid prosecution for letting a Britain's Got Talent finalist sing at a Northamptonshire store.

Kettering Borough Council said HMV's Newlands shopping centre branch did not apply for a licence after Faryl Smith, 14, sang at an album signing.

But the council said it will drop the action if HMV made a £21 donation to the mayor's charity.

HMV has said in principle it is happy to make the donation.

Faryl was signing copies of her self-titled debut album when she stepped up to a microphone and started to sing a track.

But the store had not applied for an entertainment licence.

The council said the firm has refused to retrospectively apply for the £21 licence for the event.