SOME of the biggest names in British pop music are to play charity shows at a small Liverpool club.

Chart-topping pop acts Sugababes and Atomic Kitten, who have strong local connections, as well as indie guitar favourites Starsailor and Elbow, will play the the Barfly nightclub at the Masque Theatre on Seel Street.

It is understood Atomic Kitten will fulfil their touring commitments despite the girls' well-publicised decision to take a year off from the band soon.

Money raised by the events, called Passport: Back to the Bars, will go towards the homeless charity Shelter and War Child, which helps young people in countries at conflict.

The concerts are to be held in the first week of March and are part of a festival that is being held in six different cities.

Only 260 people will be able to see each of the shows in Liverpool because of the size of the venue.

Tickets are only available in a competition entered by mobile phone text message. It is hoped that tens of thousands will enter across the country.

Adam Sampson, director of Shelter, said: "Passport gives people a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference for some of the estimated 100,000 children in the UK whose lives are blighted by homelessness.

"We're delighted so many recognised artists are throwing their weight behind Passport."

To enter the competition to win a pair of ticket, applicants need to answer a simple question and then text their answer and the name of the band they want to see to 83003 (or 83200 for Virgin mobile customers.)

The question is, which group of venues will be presenting Passport: Back to the Bars - Barfly, Fly Guy or Sky High?

It costs £1.50 plus the cost of a standard text message and one phone is allowed to enter 20 times. Winners will be notified by February 22.