A CHELMSFORD musician is releasing a Christmas single to raise cash for homeless charities.

Pianist and singer/songwriter Ian Haywood has recorded a song called City Story, which tells the story of two homeless people, one of whom is an Army veteran.

The single is being released through Oakfield Records, an independent label set up by Colchester soldier Colin Bredlin and his brother Luke.

Sgt Bredlin, 34, who serves in the 156 Provost Company of the Royal Military Police, believes the rising levels of homelessness among veterans is something which should be given more attention.

He said: “Ian, who lives in Chelmsford, is really talented and has written and performed songs about animal suffering before, but has now turned his attention to human suffering.

“Veteran homelessness is a big thing at the moment and obviously I have my own connections with the Armed Forces.

“The money raised will be split between two charities – one which supports civilians and another for former soldiers.

“It has a real Christmas feel to it and we have put it on pre-release on iTunes and other music services, and it will come out properly on December 2.”

Cash will be shared between Shelter and Veterans Aid.

The label, which is based in Benfleet, came about because of the brother’s shared passion for music.

Sgt Bredlin added: “Me and my brother have always played in rock bands together and he has qualifications in mixing and mastering and this year he wanted to take it one step further and start signing people.

“It takes up a lot of our time.

“I am in a rock band and have to set aside one night per week for purely rehearsing, writing and all other types of band stuff.

“I also have three children so there really is not much time to myself.”

The single is priced at £1 and can be downloaded by texting CITY to 85888 and depending on your device the single will automatically download or you will be sent a link on release day.

It can also be pre-ordered on iTunes, Amazon or Googleplay or found on Spotify or Apple Music.