MATT Cardle’s Halstead fans are calling for the chart-topping singer to perform in his home town.

Two venues have been offered to the X Factor winner – the Empire Theatre and Halstead Town Football Club.

Martyn Prince, chairman of the theatre trust, said he would be more than happy for Matt, 27, to perform there, with the proceeds going to charity.

Mr Prince added: “It would be nice to have him in Halstead because he has a lot of supporters here.

“I just think a few people were disappointed when he performed in Colchester, rather than Halstead, for X Factor.

“The theatre is all geared up for a gig and he could come down at 24 hours’ notice.”

The theatre has capacity of 275 and, in the past, it has hosted the likes of magician Paul Daniels, entertainer Pam Ayres and pop legend Lonnie Donegan.

On May 21, the football club, in partnership with the theatre, will be holding a rock concert on the football pitch.

Graham Dover, who is on the club’s committee, said: “It would be nice if local hero, Matt Cardle, could perform in front of the many people who supported him every week in his rise to winning X Factor.

“We expect upwards of 1,000 Halstead people will attend the rock concert.

“I realise Matt’s next few years are now probably already mapped out for him, but if he is free that weekend, it would be a wonderful opportunity for him to thank his fans in person and hopefully sing a song or two.

“How about it Matt?”