POPULAR Essex bands are collaborating to raise money for organisations working with homeless people.

The likes of Pet Needs, Surge and the Midnight Barbers have had their music tracks featured on a CD with the sales proceeds going to Colchester Emergency Night Shelter and other support organisations.

Musicians Against Homelessness is the brainchild of Danny Hiles, 30, a support worker, who lives in Colchester.

The former music promoter founded the charity earlier this year and has called in favours along the way from friends like Sam Fraser and Jay Montgomery, to produce an album.

At a launch event on November 11, which will be staged at the Three Wise Monkeys, on Colchester High Street, music fans will be able to buy the charity CD and listen to the sounds of DJ Ben Howard from 7pm.

Mr Hiles said: “This is our launch night for the CD and essentially the charity too so we’re looking to get as much awareness as we can about the issue of homelessness.

“Some of the money will also be used to purchase essentials like socks, hats and sleeping bags, which are most needed during the winter months.

“Lots of homeless people also have emotional health issues which are often ignored so eventually we aim to work with Colchester Council and within drug rehabilitation because we understand there’s an in-depth reason individuals become homeless.

“Supplying clothes is a start but it’s not good enough - we’d like to get to the root cause of it.”

Entry to the event costs £4 and those who cannot make it will be able to buy the album online.

It is hoped the initiative will raise more than £500.

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