One Direction singer Liam Payne has taken to his official Twitter page earlier today (August 9) and thanked his fans for their lovely birthday wishes, but asked that instead of sending him gifts that they make a donation in his name.

Writing on the social networking page this afternoon, the hitmaker explained that he would love for his followers to get involved with Trekstock, which is an organisation that works to raise funds to help beat cancer:

"Good morning everyone :) can't quite believe my life there's no bigger birthday present than what you've done for me in 3 years thank you xx."

"If anyone was planning on buying me anything this is the 1st place u should go http://trekstock.com/donate-now you could make difference to somebody. Also follow @trekstock there's a lot you can get involved with there too http://trekstock.com/donate-now."

Payne turned 20 today and band mate Niall Horan sent him well wishes on Twitter: "Happy birthday to my brother @Real_Liam_Payne! No longer a teenager buddie! love you dude!"