FIREFIGHTERS have put down the fire calls and picked up the microphone for a day in a bid to create a UK music chart topping Christmas single.

In an attempt to claim the highly contested Christmas Number One spot, three members of the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have joined a team of 40 firefighters from across the UK to record a new take on the all-time classic festive hit 'Do They Know It's Christmas?'.

St Asaph-based control room firefighters Bethan Jones and Gwenan Hughes, as well as Rhyl-based head of business and fire safety Paul Scott, took part in the recording session for the singing group, named The Fire Tones, in Birmingham last month.

The group was the vision of Powys firefighter Chris Birdsell-Jones, who dreamed of a band of the song topping the charts and raising money for charity.

Ms Jones said: "The Fire Tones is made up of members of staff from fire and rescue services across the UK who were all brought together at the studio to record the song. We can't wait for it to hit the shops on November 30!"

The funds will be donated to The Fire Fighters Charity, which provides physical rehabilitation, psychological support, recuperation and a confidential helpline for retired firefighters and their families; and Band Aid, the charity for the relief of hunger and poverty in Ethiopia and neighbouring countries.

Ms Hughes said: "Taking part was an unforgettable experience and it was a great opportunity to meet staff from other fire and rescue services as well as being part of an exciting mission which raises funds for two well deserving charities."

Mr Scott said: "The support so far has been amazing- the single has even received celebrity backing with singer and presenter Aled Jones posting a video with words of encouragement on Facebook.

“Please get behind the Fire Tones, The Fire Fighters Charity and Band-Aid and spread the news of our number one bid - let's try and claim that Christmas top spot!"

The single is available to pre-order on Amazon and will be released on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon Music on Friday, November 30.