A CHOIR has battled through the challenges of the coronavirus to record a song which soared to number two in the Christmas charts with their very own song.

Verwood-based Vocalize recorded its own Christmas song and accompanying video to raise money for charity Shelter.

The fundraising effort smashed to target of £1,000 in ten days and the choir now hopes to raise £2,000.

Choir founder Stephanie Down said: “We are overwhelmed by the support we have had so far and are thrilled to announce the target increase as we continue to raise vital funds for Shelter.

“The success in the chart is beyond our wildest dreams but ultimately, it’s about bringing people together at Christmas by supporting Shelter.”

The song, called Be Here This Christmas, was written and arranged by one of the choir’s original members, Chris White. He has also recorded and mixed the track.

Mr White said: “We had managed to record two original songs and produce videos for them since 2019 and

had plans to do more. My idea of recording a Christmas song was given a casual, but not wholly serious, mention during a Zoom meeting in the summer.

“The idea grew, and by October, I had written the song and arranged it for the choir to sing.

“The challenge to get it recorded, mixed, and released in time for Christmas, and to link it to raising money for Shelter, was considerable.

“When the second lockdown was announced, it was a tight squeeze to complete all the recordings in a safe manner in the few remaining days.

“We managed to pull out all the stops, so that I could work on getting the song completed in time.”

The choir has been performing together for just over two years and has delivered two sell-out shows in the 350-seater Verwood Hub.

The song was only out for a week when it reached number two in the Christmas charts, beating the likes of Coldplay and Michael Buble.

Mr White continued: “It has given us something to do together. I am not sure what we would be doing without it, probably more quizzes.

“It has given everyone a new lease of life, that is the bit I am most proud of. It has brought everybody together again.”

Max Newton, head of community fundraising at Shelter, said: “It’s been a year of unbelievable difficulty for many people. The impact of the pandemic means that many more people are facing homelessness and some will even be forced to sleep on the streets this winter.

"Shelter is working hard to help those who are worst affected. But as growing numbers of people need our support, we need the support of the public.

“That’s why Vocalize backing us means so much to Shelter. The money raised will help us to give hope and support to those who need us after a turbulent year. Thank you Vocalize; you are making a real difference to the people and families facing homelessness this Christmas.”