Sir Paul McCartney has backed the campaign to make Rage Against The Machine's 'Killing In The Name' Christmas number one.

The former Beatle told Sky News it would be “funny” if the US band beat nearest rival X Factor winner Joe McElderry to the top spot.

Support for Rage Against The Machine has grown this week thanks to a Facebook campaign.

"I like the idea. Everyone expects Joe to do it, and if he goes to number one then good luck to him,” Sir Paul said

"He's just some kid with a career ahead. I've got nothing against that, but it would be kind of funny if Rage Against The Machine got it because it would prove a point."

Sir Paul's comments about the reality show winner come just days after he performed on The X Factor final.

A host of music stars, including The Prodigy and Stereophonics, have endorsed the 'Killing In The Name' single.

But X Factor judge Cheryl Cole, who worked with McElderry on the show, today called the campaign “mean”.

If successful, the US band would be the first non-X Factor act to take the festive crown in five years.

(by Jason Gregory)