MEMBERS of an Oxford band are hoping their version of a Christmas carol will help raise hundreds of pounds for charity.

Desmond Chancer and the Long Memories released their recording of Silent Night online through Villainous Records yesterday - with all proceeds going to Oxford-based charity Oxfam.

Mr Chancer, 30, from Abingdon Road, said he hoped he would raise at least £400 by selling the single at 99p per download.

He said: "We finished recording it about three weeks ago.

"With it being a Christmas carol, we thought it would be a good idea to release it and give all the money to charity - rather than make money out of it ourselves.

"I'm in another band called Brickwork Lizards and for the last two years we have headlined at Oxjam events, Oxfam's music festival.

"Over the years I've known a few people who work for the charity. I thought why not, it's a good, far-reaching charity and they do lots of good work."

The song is Desmond Chancer and the Long Memories' first release and Mr Chancer said he was very excited about raising money for a good cause - and having a single available for download.

He said: "I know a lot of people in Oxford and all the bands locally are really pushing for it so we are going to try and get as many people as we know to download it.

"It started as a novelty idea, we were just messing about and it sounded quite nice.

"I met the guy from Villainous Records because he was interested in signing my other band.

"I suggested the idea of a charity single.

"He was really up for it so we are all pretty excited about it."

Mr Chancer, who sings on the record, is accompanied by pianist Junkfood Jones and violinist Anna Soprano, who also provides backing vocals.

The 99p download price also includes one of the group's own songs, The Funny Side.

Mr Chancer said: "It's very melancholy and Anna does some lovely backing vocals which give it a really homely, cosy feel.

"It's unusual for a band which is not so well known to release their first single for charity, but with it being this time of year we decided to do it.

"I like Silent Night, I think it's a lovely song."

The song can be downloaded at www.villainousrecords.com You can also catch the band performing it live at The Wheatsheaf, off Oxford High Street, on Sunday.