AN Edgworth musician has written and recorded a charity single, with proceeds going to East Lancashire Hospice.

Billy McBolan teamed up with Neil Scales, owner of Starring Studios in Littleborough, near Rochdale, to record ‘Love Was Born On Christmas Day’ (The Disciples Song).

Proceeds from the song, which is available for 79p on iTunes, will be split between East Lancashire Hospice and Bury Hospice.

Mr McBolan said: “My dad’s second wife was in the hospice for a while before she died and every year, instead of anniversary or birthday presents, he just says: ‘Give it to the hospice’.

“That is why I wanted to raise money for the hospice. I have known Neil for years and we have sung as a duo.

“I was in his studio and I said I had some nice lyrics so we could make a Christmas song. I wrote it for someone else to sing but they were ill, so I ended up singing it, although it is in too high a key!”

Mr McBolan said the song had proved popular in America. He said: “We uploaded it to iTunes and it is on YouTube. We put it on the net about three weeks ago and a third of the hits have been from America and Canada.

“I just hope it makes some money for the hospice.”