A CHARITY Christmas album made by talented youngsters and a Weymouth choir is now on sale.

Mayor Ray Banham was presented with the first official copy of 'It's Christmas Time in Weymouth' at the Mayor's Parlour in the council offices this morning.

Some 70 pupils from seven schools in the borough raised the roof with the One Voice group to record the track at the Hope Church, in Trinity Street.

Proceeds from the CD will go to Weymouth and Portland Children's Centres and the Weymouth Food Bank.

The 100-strong group is determined to raise as much money for both causes.

It also features a new tune for 'Once in Royal David's City' and three songs sung by adults in the choir.

The idea first came about 18 months ago with the writing of lyrics by choir chairman John Ellis focusing on 'God's own Son' being welcomed to Weymouth.

Mr Ellis said: “A talented composer, Andy Hague from Honiton, took up the challenge of writing a catchy tune.

“The idea was sold to all the Weymouth and Portland schools, and seventy primary pupils, including some from our special schools, took up the challenge and now a recording has been made.”

Grazina Ellis, the music director of One Voice, and teachers trained the youngsters.

Both groups came together and a recorded the track.

Mr Ellis said: “The CD is now on sale and it was a great honour to present Mayor Ray Banham with the first copy. It's all really exciting.”

Mayor Banham added: “It is a pleasure and an honour to listen to this CD and I am really supportive of the whole project.”

There are four Weymouth and Portland Children's Centres in the town at Westham, Portland, Littlemoor and the town centre.

Bob Mockett, of Weymouth Food Bank, and Liz Rowe, who represented the Children's Centres, also attended the hand over at the Mayor's Office, where they received copies of the CD.

The singers have been asked to perform at the Mayor's Civic Christmas service.

Mr Ellis said: “Thanks must go to the well-behaved children and choir with Phil Williams on keyboard and Marilyn Mackenzie on flute supported by the parents and guardians and volunteers who enabled us to make our dream come true.”

To buy the album visit the website onevoiceweymouth.com or call Mr Ellis on 01305 815531.