A MUCH-LOVED community group which helped the vulnerable through the Covid-19 pandemic is set to release a Christmas single.
Colchester’s Anti Loo Roll Brigade (ALB), which lends a helping hand to people in need in the city, enlisted the help of children with special needs to record a festive track.
From their summer school, the youngsters sang a Christmas remix of This Little Light of Mine, by Odetta, as the group bids to get the children into the charts.
The idea was formed in summer, as the brigade ran holiday clubs for children with special needs at Doucecroft school, in Colchester, alongside Autism Anglia, as the children enjoyed singing.
The Odetta classic was one of the favourites amongst the children.
The ALB then enlisted the help of the Colchester group, Funky Voices Choir, to provide backing vocals, before adding Christmas bells and other festive sounds at the Black Cactus Studio, in Parsons Hill.
Though it was only recorded this week, the song has already received airplay from Actual Radio and BBC Essex.
On the new single, ALB founder and Pride of Britain Award-winner Peter Dutch said: “We haven’t necessarily tried to raise money, we took the kids out to boost their confidence and show them how amazing they are.
“We took around 14 of the children, alongside staff and volunteers from the school. We had three hours in the studio, the kids were amazing.
“It’s a really catchy Christmas number. We are hoping to push it at the right time, with the help of a few celebrities sharing, so we can get it into the charts.
“It would be amazing for these kids to get into the charts.
“At the ALB, we like nothing better than to make smiles and memories.
“Just alone to say that that the kids have been on telly and been on the radio, will be something that they remember forever.”
Kate Hancock, chief executive of Autism Anglia, said: "We've done some brilliant work with Peter - he is just so invested in wanting to give kids their best life, which fits in with our values.
"He gives the kids so many opportunities, and we love working with him. In 2023, we hope to work with him to bring initiatives to our adult services.
"Fingers crossed we can get to Christmas number one - that would be the best thing ever."
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