It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across communities in Ayrshire with the release of an 18-track festive CD “A Christmas Song for the Ayrshire Hospice”.

Celebrities and volunteers from across the town have come together in traditional holiday spirit to create a festive spectacular in aid of the Hospice.

Communities will be encouraged to partake in the support for the organisation by dipping into their pockets to but the CD and spread the Christmas joy for an extremely worthwhile cause.

Irvine born and Britain’s Got Talent winner, Jai McDowell, has contributed to album with his melodic sound along with local lad Craig Ward who starred in last years BBC The Voice. Other names include South Ayrshire born Macdonald Brothers and one of Scotland’s most successful crooners Sydney Devine along with many others.

All proceeds from the CD will go directly to the Hospice and organiser Edd Holloway from Events Alive explained how vital it is to continually raise funds for the organisation.

Previously having a close family member in care at the Hospice, Mr. Holloway disclosed his support for the venture.

He said: “I think you almost take the Ayrshire Hospice for granted - but when you have a relative in there that changes. I thought there must be something that I can do to help fundraise for them.

“Not long ago, we came up with the idea of doing a Christmas CD - I thought if I could call in some favours, we could get this off the ground. The objective is to make money for the hospice direct from CD sales. Each CD is priced at only £10.

“We have songs performed by groups such as the Ayrshire Hospice nurses, staff and volunteers, Kilmarnock Football Club, Troon Football Club, Music Choir, and a group of Ayrshire Estate Agents who have all taken themselves out of their comfort zone for the charity. Wellington School also feature!

“One of the most special things about this album is every person involved in each of the 18 tracks either lives in Ayrshire, was born in Ayrshire or works in Ayrshire. Even the album cover was created by Ken O’Hara from Ayrshire”.

Jai McDowall added that his father’s uncle was also cared for by the hospice. He said: “I’ve done previous events for the Ayrshire Hospice and my dad’s uncle was in the hospice along with other friends who have been there - I know that the work that they do is really important.”

The aim is to sell 5000 CD’s making £50,000 for The Ayrshire Hospice this Christmas.

The hospice would like to thank Events Alive for all their support and all other contributing supporters. To pre-order your copy of “A Christmas song for the Ayrshire Hospice” call the hospice events team on 01292 288488 or email events@ayrshirehospice.org