Cowell donates $80,000 to U.K. riot clean-up fund

Music mogul Simon Cowell has donated $80,000 to a fund for those affected by the U.K. riots this week (begs08Aug11).

The civil unrest began in London last weekend (06-07Aug11) and soon spread across the country as thugs attacked city centers, smashing windows, looting shops and setting buildings on fire.

Hundreds of businesses have been forced to shut up shop in order to repair damage, and Britain's Express Newspapers group has established a special fund for riot victims as part of the Reclaim Our Streets crusade.

TV talent judge Cowell is leading the way with an $80,000 donation, and he is happy to help the initiative.

He tells the Daily Express, "A lot of families and businesses desperately need some help right now and I back any campaign which achieves this."

Opera singer Katherine Jenkins adds, "Since the riots we've seen communities pull together. Reclaim Our Streets is a way we can play a part in rebuilding our beautiful country."