Nov 30 2008 By Billy Sloan

MICK JAGGER and Ben Affleck have signed up Paolo Nutini to perform the soundtrack to their new film.

The 21-year-old was handpicked by the superstars to record a version of the Rolling Stones' 1969 hit Gimme Shelter.

The track will feature on a documentary highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

The United Nations movie will be presented by Oscar-winner Affleck and filming is due to begin next year.

The stars hope it will raise awareness of the plight of the two million people displaced from their homes since fighting broke out in the Sudanese region five years ago.

Jagger gave the UN special permission to use the classic Stones' track free of charge - but he insisted Paolo record a version more suited to the cause.

Last night Paolo said: "It's a real honour to be asked.

"Mick doesn't wantmy version of Gimme Shelter to be like the Stones' original, which is very sexy and dirty.

"He wants it to be much more emotive to highlight the cause.

"We want to draw attention to what's happening to the people in that war-torn region.

"I'll record the track in London and everybody - from the producers, musicians and cameramen - will give their services free."

Paolo struck up a firm friendship with Mick after duetting with the Stones at the Isle of Wight Festival in 2007.

The Scot rehearsed the track - blues classic Love In Vain - with Mick in a room in a Travelodge on the island Paolo said: "When I walked into the room he was relaxing watching Formula 1 on television.

"We sang the number together and he seemed happy how it worked out.

"It was great being part of this amazing rock'n'roll circus."

Paolo has signed up to appear at this year's Hogmanay street parties in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

He will perform in the capital alongside Groove Armada, Glasvegas, Attic Lights and The Complete Stone Roses. The singer will then get a police escort west to headline Glasgow's party in George Square.

In 2006, a frustrated Paolo did not get to appear at Edinburgh's Hogmanay after bad weather resulted in the festivities being be scrapped.

He said: "I was backstage when news came through the street party in Aberdeen was off because of terrible weather.

"It was followed by call-offs in Glasgow and Stirling...then Edinburgh.

"So I never got the chance to play and have not even been to any of the parties as a punter."

Paolo will be accompanied at both events by his family and girlfriend Teri Brogan.

He said: "I'll kick off events at the Concert In The Park on Princes Street at 9.30pm, then head straight to Glasgow. I'll play for 20 minutes before The Bells then again just after midnight.

"It's daunting to be appearing before thousands of revellers in Scotland's two biggest cities on the same special night. It will be a real challenge.

"After the Glasgow show we'll hit an all-night party. I don't see us clocking off until lunchtime on New Year's Day."

Paolo - who releases his new album in February - has fond memories of New Year family get togethers in his Paisley home.

He said: "As a kid I remember Hogmanay being a real big deal.

"I'd get the Hoover out and help my mum tidy the house up for our guests arriving.

"We'd have lots of great food - Scots steak pie and Italian pasta - and watch Only An Excuse and Rikki Fulton on TV.

"We'd also sing karaoke. My big party songs were Rockin' Robin by Michael Jackson or Dream Lover by Bobby Darin. We always had a brilliant time."

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Noble cause and should give Ben something to do between shitty movies and commercials.....

MICK and BEN seem like an odd couple, but there's talent there so it could work well if handled with care. Bring it on!