A red-haired youngster poses at his local youth club, arms crossed and carrying a guitar.
Look closely and the lad has an uncanny resemblance to Ed Sheeran, who spent his childhood learning to play the instrument as he dreamt of becoming a globally famous popstar.
It is not a coincidence. The picture is indeed of a young Sheeran – and is among plans submitted to East Suffolk council for permission to rebuild the youth club in his home town of Framlingham.
The Daily Mail can reveal that Sheeran has saved the club – which he used as a child – from closure.
It was to shut its doors for good next month after 20 years of being the pillar of the community.
Sources close to the Shape of You star say that when he heard it was to close, he sprang into action to not just save it, but also improve the facilities.
Plans show the new youth club will include music rehearsal facilities, an art studio, gymnasium, cookery classes and a library.
Named FramFam, the centre will be funded by 35-year-old Sheeran and his charity, the Framlingham Foundation Trust, and run by several of his former school pals who are already active in local community work.
A red-haired youngster poses at his local youth club, arms crossed and carrying a guitar – look closely and the lad has an uncanny resemblance to Ed Sheeran
Sources close to the Shape of You star say that when he heard his local youth club was to close, he sprang into action to not just save it, but also improve the facilities
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‘This is a real passion project for Ed,’ says a source.
‘He loves the area and feels strongly about giving back to his local community.
‘He heard the existing youth club was closing down and wanted to step in and do something for kids growing up just like he did.
‘He’s committed to paying for the building and also financing its maintenance and upkeep – along with financially supporting the charity who run it.
‘Ed is very excited to be able to be a part of it, especially being able to provide arts funding and facilities.
‘He knows how valuable that sort of thing would have been to him when he was growing up.’
The brick-built centre will cater for children from birth to 18 years old.
Sheeran and his wife Cherry live on a sprawling estate in the area, often nicknamed Sheeranville, with their daughters Lyra, five, and Jupiter, four.
He has built his own pub alongside his main home, a chapel, indoor pool, a wildlife pond, and several guest properties.
Many of the buildings, which include a recording studio, are connected by tunnels.
Worth an estimated £370million, Sheeran is one of Britain’s top musical exports. He has also built a substantial property portfolio and launched multiple charity ventures.
