COMEDIAN Russell Brand splashed the cash to help a charity in his hometown celebrate an important anniversary.

The funnyman, 34, who grew up in Grays, proved he was a generous man when he donated nearly £3,000 to the South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre in Thurrock.

The cash from Brand, who recently became engaged to pop star Katy Perry, 25, meant staff could mark the centre’s 25th anniversary at Orsett Hall.

Sheila Coates, director of the centre, said: “We got in touch with his agent and asked if he’d help us because he was a local boy and grew up in Thurrock, and he did. We were really touched and the money meant we could have a party to remember.”