A group of Manx artists have created and released a new single to raise funds for children in need.

Written by Douglas resident, Trevor Shimmin, the song called ’For the Children’ by the Save The Children Band is being sold for 99p with profits going towards UK charity Children in Need and local children’s charities.

The Marks and Spencer customer assistant said he wrote the song 11 years ago and was inspired by Band Aid.

’I thought we could do that over here,’ he said. ’I was thinking of how we have an awful lot of great musicians and singers on the island and that we could do a song together just as good as they did.

’I’ve written songs all my life. I’ve reached the 100 mark now, which is something I’m really proud of, and this song is one of them.’

He teamed up with producer Valerie Nelson of Geode Music to create the single.

Engineered by Gyp Buggane, the band includes: John Barker on mandolin; Barry Nelson on guitars; Lyndsay Rowe on keyboards; Val Nelson on fretless bass; and Danny Kneale on drums.

Vocalists include: Trevor Shimmin; David Cohen; Rebecca Forrest; Steph Tomlinson; Donna Colligon; Callum Brew; Nigel Thjis; Barry Nelson; Valerie Nelson; Juan Callister; Jo Callister; plus children Zak Colligon, Hadassah Smith and Emma-Louise Taylor.

Together they sing the chorus ’Can you hear all the people? Can you feel for the people?’

The song follows a soft, rhythmic tempo before slowing down to the gospel-sounding part of the track.

Mr Shimmin said: ’When I came up with the melody I was thinking: "Wow, this is a gospel song".

’I could hear this being sung in a church. So I started writing about helping people, children, just everyone and anyone that needs help in general really.

’That was 11 years ago. Back then I really thought about doing this, but I didn’t really have the confidence to do it. So it didn’t happen. I’m glad it didn’t really because it wouldn’t have had the same guys on it and it wouldn’t have sounded like it does now.’

He said although this is the first time he’s produced a song like this, it probably won’t be the last, adding: ’I’ve enjoyed every minute of doing this.

’After playing a demo on a guitar for everyone to learn the song and now to have the finished article is quite a surreal thing.

’Every single person involved has been incredible and bringing the community together for a project like this is something I would definitely love to do again.’

This year’s Children in Need event took place on November 15 and raised £47.9m.

The song is available on all music downloads, including iTunes and Spotify.