A GARDENER who nurtured a dream of writing a Christmas song has had it released by a major label.

Andrew Collins approached a host of celebrities to sing on his track before enlisting Filipina artist Monique de los Santos.

She has appeared on shows such as American Idol, The Voice Philippines and Pilipinas Got Talent.

Now, Another Christmas Time, by Andrew Collins featuring Monique, is available on the major music platforms and Andrew hopes it will become a perennial favourite.

Andrew, 43, from Mudeford, runs his gardening business from Rosebud Florists in Southbourne.

The idea for recording a Christmas song came about during Andrew’s regular winter trips to the Philippines, where he makes music with local friends.

He said: “My work in the UK is seasonal so I work eight months of the year and then the other eight months I go out and hang out with my friends in Manilla.

“When I got there, they asked me ‘What are we going to do this time?’ I told them ‘We’re going to make a Christmas song’. Not just an ordinary one – we’re going to find the best talents in Asia and the Philippines that we can to make the best song that we can."

Although he doesn’t read music, Andrew hummed the song’s melody to one of his gardening customers, Dennis Gould, a retired music teacher from Highcliffe School.

Mr Gould played the tune on piano and Andrew took the recording to Manila, where he added the lyrics with his friends.

Andrew said he approached a number of the major labels’ singers and managers in the UK in an unsuccessful attempt to interest them in his song.

But in the Philippines, he ran into people from Warner Music Group, who suggested Monique.

He also enlisted the dance group El Gamma Penumbra, winners of Asia Got Talent, to perform in the video for the song.

The track was recorded by award-winning producer, songwriter and sound engineer Jonathan Ong in Manila’s Sonic State Audio.

Mr Ong said: “There is a sense of wonder and anticipation in this memorable Christmas gem brought to life by the heartwarming delivery of Monique Delos Santos, who is a sheer delight to work with.

"Another Christmas Time is a delightful experience – nostalgic yet hopeful and will fill many a household with a timeless Christmas spirit for many years to come.”

The video for Another Christmas Time can be seen at the Facebook page of El Gamma Penumbra. The song is available on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.