THE Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help Somerset has thrown its weight behind Military Wives' bid to be Christmas number one.

The Somerset branch of SSAFA is backing the hit single, 'Wherever You Are', to be top spot this Sunday.

The emotive song has captured the country's imagination following the success of choirmaster Gareth Malone's BBC series 'The Choir: Military Wives.'

SSAFA offers lifetime support for servicemen and their families, and proceeds from the sale of the Military Wives' single will go to the charity and the Royal British Legion.

And Somerset Publicity Officer Pauline Homeshaw said: “The Military Wives typify everything that is good about the Armed Forces community - we are all behind them!

“This campaign is fantastic for us as it raises the profile of the work we do locally and also the charity as a whole.

“We hope that people will buy a few copies for their friends to help nudge the single to the top of the charts.”

The music is set to a poem compiled from letters to and from servicemen and their wives on a six month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

It has since been championed by public figures such as BBC Radio 2 breakfast presenter Chris Evans, Premiership footballer Joey Barton and several MPs.

Alice Clarke, one of the singers in the Choir, said: “The Military Wives Choir is utterly delighted to be supporting SSAFA Forces Help, a wonderful and essential charity.”

Visit www.garethmalone.co.uk for details on how to buy 'Wherever You Are'.