London, Dec 16 (IANS): Coldplay frontman Chris Martin gives 10 per cent of his earnings to charity.

Martin's mother Alison kept back one penny of his 10 penny pocket money while he was growing up to teach him the importance of sharing, reports dailymail.co.uk.

While appearing on TV show "Today", Martin's band mate Jonny Buckland said: "Ten per cent of Chris' pocket money goes to charity."

Martin, who is worth an estimated 70 million pounds, said: "I used to get 10 pence pocket money. The first time she gave me nine, I was like, 'What is this?' (And my mother was like), 'Get used to it, son.' Mum still gives me three pounds a week."

Martin's generosity has rubbed off on his band-mates too as they now also give away 10 per cent of their cash to 28 different charities every month.

Martin, who is the curator of the Global Citizen Festival, explained: "It's very important for us (to give money to charity regularly). It drives us on. We don't talk about it that much but you asked. It is true!"