Dorset children's hospice Julia’s House has teamed up with county musicians - including a pop star - to record a Christmas single to help provide families with magical memories for seriously ill children.

The Julia’s House Choir is releasing a version of Silent Night to help raise money for the charity’s Christmas appeal - and it will feature Dorset-born James McVey, guitarist with The Vamps.

It will also feature other local artists including 'piano man' Matt Black, The Defectors, the Braishfield String Quartet and orchestral leader Ian Partridge.

The single was recorded at Echo Town Music Studios in Dorchester as a gift in kind from owners Nick and Grace Capaldi, both avid supporters of local charities.

The hospice provides care to seriously ill children and is a lifeline for seven-year-old Addy’s family, who feature in this year’s appeal.

Addy has an ultra-rare type of Batten disease (CLN2), which only affects approximately 30 people in the UK, with around five children diagnosed each year.

The genetic condition is a devastating and debilitating brain disorder known as ‘childhood dementia’ because it steals every skill a child has ever learned.

The disease is terminal and without medical advances, Addy sadly isn’t expected to reach her 10th birthday. It’s thought this Christmas will probably be the last one where she will be able to see.

Addy’s mum, Hayley, said: “Julia’s House has been with us since almost the beginning. They’ve been there as Addy has stopped walking by herself and stopped eating.

“It’s such a relief to know that we have Julia’s House nurses and carers who are medically trained to look after Addy, and who will sweep in and say, ‘now, go and take some time for you’.

“We don’t really know what the next month or the next year will hold - so we are making the most of the time we have together.”

The single is a modified rendition to the tune of the classic carol and is available to the public from Monday, December 4 - and is one way the charity is raising funds this festive season.

Julia’s House chief executive, Martin Edwards, said: “Singing in the choir is great for everyone’s wellbeing, and it’s so moving with the children joining in.

“We decided to convey a little about our care service, by writing alternative lyrics to Silent Night, depicting a night of care at the hospice during Christmas; how children make friendships together there, and how we support families throughout the tough times. It's our own special take on the spirit of Christmas.”

Choir leader Clairelouise Moore added:  “Little did we know that a bit of magic was soon about to happen. Out of the blue, we received an email from Nick and Grace Capaldi from Echo Town Studios, asking if Julia’s House wanted to use their recording studio.

“Since then, the help and support we’ve received from the local community, musicians and businesses to make our Christmas single happen has been extraordinary.

“We are immensely grateful to all those who have made our own special version of Silent Night possible.”

The song will be available on all major music streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. You can donate straight to the appeal at www.juliashouse.org/choir