A NEW album by military wives commemorating the centenary of the First World War needs the public's help to get started.

Bovington Military Wives Choir will be among 74 other such ensembles performing a range of tunes including four brand new songs written specially for the album by prestigious composers in the pop, film and classical worlds.

It will tell the story of the women left behind to raise families, work and cope with the loss of loved ones at the front, and will include First World War marching songs.

A choir spokesman said: "Most of us understand how difficult it is to say goodbye to someone in the Forces, whether the person is going to a war zone or not.

"It is this unique perspective which means that we can do something very powerful with music, which is a medium that speaks far louder than words.

"However, we need the support of Dorset residents if we are going to make this a reality."

Through the site Pledge Music, Bovington choir members are asking the public to pre-order the album now to allow them to get into the recording studio early next year.

The choir is performing for the launch of the Dorset Poppy Appeal at Corfe Castle railway station on Wednesday, October 25, at 10am.

To support the project visit pledgemusic.com/mwc