A RETIRED accountant is trying to see if he has what it takes to write a Christmas hit which will provide his family with royalties for years to come.

Robert Turvil’s song, Angel Wings, has made it to the semi-final of the UK Songwriting Contest.

The grandfather-of-two entered two songs into the competition, but it was his love song about being alone at Christmas which impressed judges.

Robert, 67, of De Vere Road, Colchester, said: “It’s great. It at least means the songs have been reviewed by some good people and they think it’s worthy of going to the next round.”

Robert came up with his songwriting plan after retiring as an accountant.

He hopes an artist will pick it up, and his family will be able to enjoy the financial benefits.

Robert said: “I thought I could do with something to boost my pension.

“I thought if I could write something, it could be something I could get constant royalties for.”

Robert admitted he was also inspired by the film, About a Boy, in which lead character Will Freeman lives comfortably off the royalties of a song written by his dead father.

When he went online to research, he discovered the competition.

The song was inspired by Robert’s Army captain son who moved to Australia with his girlfriend, but the couple then broke up.

Robert said: “At Christmas time it’s not so good if you’re on your own.

“The song is about being in love at Christmas, and then there is the wider aspect of it, which is about all the people who don’t even know it’s Christmas.

“It’s a love song. It is sentimental.”

Robert plays the guitar on the track, but enlisted the help of a female singer.

He said “I’m hoping I can get it on the radio. It would be good if an artist recorded it.

“I think a female singer is needed.”

A number of prizes are up for grabs including a session with top producer Stuart Epps, who has worked with Elton John and Oasis, a spot on the competition’s winner’s album and industry memberships.

He will find out if he has made it to the next round at the end of September.