McFly to launch messages to space

The messages are expected to reach the target planet, Gliese 581c which is 20.5 light years away, in 2029.

McFly, George Sampson and Scouting for Girls are joining up with Bebo members to launch personal messages into space.

Anyone on the networking site can upload drawings, photos and text. A selection will be beamed into space via a high-powered radio wave.

The messages are expected to reach the target planet, Gliese 581c which is 20.5 light years away, in 2029.

The messages will be beamed to space by the National Space Agency of Ukraine and will travel at light speed.

Presenter Gok Wan, Alphabeat, Basshunter and Feeder have also signed up to launch their messages.

Bebo members can vote for their favourites and 500 will eventually be launched.

The project was put together by Dr Alexander Zaitsev, who is one of the world's leading experts on radio messaging.

It is hoped those who enter will become more aware of the world they live in.