CLACTON country music star Gary Curtis has released a charity single to fight the winner of this year’s X Factor for the Christmas number one slot.

Mr Curtis has recorded a version of Elvis Presley’s 1966 hit If Every Day Was Like Christmas to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Earlier this year he scooped the ‘Hot Disc of the Year’ gong at the British and Country Music Awards for another charity single, Life Is For The Living.

He began raising money for charity after losing his father Stephen to oesophageal cancer in 2006.

Mr Curtis said: “A lot of people that have been very close to me have died from cancer. The charity singles and my recent award are especially for my wonderful dad and of course to everybody who has lost someone close to cancer.

“To be able to do these charity songs in aid of Cancer Research UK is a great honour for me.

“I hope people will enjoy my version of the classic Christmas song and in particular have a smile on their faces when they watch the magical video.

“Christmas is a time of thinking of others and my thoughts are with every family who are sadly touched by cancer this Christmas. I hope everyone who watches the video will download the single and help raise a lot of money for the charity to continue its fantastic work.”

The video that accompanies the single features a host of celebrities, including actor Paul Barber (Denzil in Only Fools and Horses); singer Anne Nolan (formerly of The Nolans); actress Sally Geeson (of the Carry On films); and Caroline Munro (horror film actress). They are joined by some Essex cancer survivors, including Josh Borley, Darren Couchman and Denise Fox.

Mr Couchman, also Cancer Research UK’s volunteer manager for Essex, said: “It’s brilliant to have the support of Gary. The song is fantastic and really brings home the true meaning of Christmas.

“To be asked to appear in the video with my fellow cancer survivors was a great honour for me and I jumped at the chance. It was great fun making the video and to have my family and friends around me was a very special moment.

“I hope that many people buy this Christmas single and help Gary with what he wants to achieve and that’s to raise as much money as possible to ensure more people survive this terrible illness and to keep families together.

“Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer.

“However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters without whom we would not be able to fund outstanding scientists, doctors and nurses.”