A former X Factor contestant from Blackburn has written a song for a special educational needs school in Colne and it is a tear-jerker.

Nathan Grisdale, who appeared on the X Factor in 2018, has written ‘Make The World Listen’ for Pendle View Primary School.

The song, which is set to be released on Friday (May 26), is about communication and the barriers that children with additional needs overcome daily.

Lancashire Telegraph: Nathan GrisdaleNathan Grisdale (Image: Nathan Grisdale)

The 28-year-old said: “The single was inspired by the children's communication, their friends, and families. 

“We want to spread a message and celebrate the barriers that children with additional needs overcome daily while really emphasising how amazing, strong, and truly inspirational they are.”

Nathan said writing the song was an “eye opening experience”.

He said: “For me the song was extremely powerful and eye opening for me to write.

“I aimed to bring attention to the many forms of communication that go beyond the typical verbal communication and in the process was taught so much about this topic myself.

“It really got me thinking about how important it is for this message to be shared!”

As well as the song, Nathan has also created a music video which features staff, children and parents at the school.

He said: “Having gifted the song opportunity to the school, I was thrilled to provide an exciting and unique opportunity for the children, parents and staff, to all be part of and build on that sense of community and unity that is so important.

“This led to filming and production of the music video for - it certainly had a lot of us in tears!  

“Our message is powerful and one to be shared, we would be delighted if you could also support our cause and help us to ‘Make the World Listen.’”

As well as raising awareness, Nathan and the school hope to raise some money, to pay for technology and communication systems that the children can use at home.   

Head teacher, Fran Clayton, said: “It is an amazing song.

“It is very emotional and paints a picture of who our children are and the voice we want them to have in the outside world.

“It represents the ethos all special schools and all people with special needs and disabilities who might not communicate in the same way we do.

“The kids were extremely excited and spent the day filming in school. The children learned the chorus of the song using Makaton sign language.

“They were thrilled to take part and watch it back.”