A DORSET singer has released a new song, with proceeds going to a charity which helps former servicemen without a home find permanent accommodation.

Jessica Lark has recorded a new version of O Holy Night with Hangover Hill Studios to help raise funds Helping Homeless Veterans-UK.

Homelessness is a subject that really hits home for Jessica, after her son recently spent time on the streets.

She said: “I've always walked past homeless people and felt awful that I could never help, other than to give a bit of spare change or pop in a shop and buy a sandwich or a coffee for someone, but you tend to put it out of your mind afterwards.

“It hit home for me last year when my son and I had problems and he left home. He had nowhere to go and refused to turn to family members.

“It was only for a couple of nights, but he was on the streets and, for me, the thought of him alone with nowhere to turn and no safe place to sleep absolutely terrified me.

Jessica said that although her son only spent a short time on his own, she started to think about the thousands of people who live on the streets and wanted to do something to help.

She added: “That was where the idea for the song came from. I asked Matt Black for his help and without his help it never would have got off the ground. He also knew David Wood, which is why the chosen charity is Helping Homeless Veterans UK.

“I would like to raise as much money as possible from this song, but I also have future projects in mind, such as a charity concert, or variety show.”

David Wood, CEO of Helping Homeless Veterans-UK, said: “We provide help and advice with housing issues to prevent homelessness as well as taking our Veterans who are Homeless off the streets and into their own properties.

To date, David has been involved with housing over 160 veterans over a period of four years.

He has been awarded with a British Citizen Award in January this year at The Palace of Westminster as well as a Dorset High Sheriff Award and Daily Echo Fundraiser of The Year Award.

David added: “Together with our amazing team of volunteers we hope that the public will get behind this beautiful recording and help support us in continuing our work.