INTERNATIONAL students have joined forces with a pub choir and a Teesside party band frontman to record a charity single.

‘One More Light’ aims to raise awareness of mental health and all proceeds will go to mental health charities across Teesside.

Students from Durham University International Study Centre, which runs degree preparation courses for international students from Queen’s Campus, Stockton, teamed up with Infant Hercules, Teesside’s largest pub-based male voice choir, and Mike McGrother, frontman of The Wildcats of Kilkenny, for the record.

Among the students involved were nationals of Bahrain, China, Ghana, South Korea, Portugal and Zimbabwe.

The song was recorded with Dave McCormack, who has recorded artists including Robbie Williams, and over 1,000 other members of the Teesside community at Stockton Parish Church. It has since been featured on BBC’s Songs of Praise.

Chester Tsz Lam, 17, from Hong Kong, who is studying Humanities, Law and Social Science International Foundation Year, said: “I felt that I wanted to be part of something bigger, and do something meaningful.

“I’ve been singing since I was young, and I want to dedicate my voice to others and use my voice to help out wherever and whenever I can; regardless of where I am.

“My experience singing alongside so many others, my peers and the wonderful people of Stockton, has been a great pleasure, and it’s my privilege to sing alongside some great people and the community of Stockton.

“The most enjoyment I’ve had is working with Mike and singing with so many others who feel the same way as I do – sharing the enthusiasm and hope together as one.”

William Selorm Awumee, from Ghana, who is studying BSc Computer Science, added: “I wanted to be part of something bigger. Mental illness is an issue that has been bugging our society, so to create awareness by making a single was a brilliant idea.

“Taking part was a no-brainer and the reward was that feeling of satisfaction and inner peace.

“It was an amazing experience. Singing together as one for a common purpose and goal was wonderful. When you’re far away from home, engaging in this activity felt like home. It didn’t just feel like a choir but a family.”

The song ‘One More Light’ can be purchased through iTunes.