Army rock record by commando's father

The father of a Royal Marine from South Staffordshire who is due to serve in Afghanistan is recording a charity song in aid of the armed forces.

Composer and guitarist Dave Allen, aged 58, of Coleridge Drive, Perton, near Wolverhampton, has changed the lyrics of a rock song he wrote in the mid-1990s to echo the sacrifice being made by British soldiers. Mr Allen's 28-year-old son James is a Royal Marine Commando who has been called up to serve in Afghanistan at the end of January.

Mr Allen, who owns record label Pure Music Unlimited, said today: "The song Glory to the Boys is to show we care about these guys going out there.

"James thought it was brilliant, so we're recording it and hope to release it. All proceeds will go directly to the armed forces.

"We really need to get behind them."

Glory to the Boys is being recorded and produced at the Musoplex studio in Rowley Regis.

Mr Allen added: "We've done the bassline, drums and lead guitar so far, and we're working on getting a vocalist," he said.

"We're trying to get local companies to put their logos on the sleeve and help us to obtain printing materials and CDs."

James Allen, a former Aldridge Grammar School pupil, joined West Midlands Police as an armed response officer based in Birmingham after gaining his coveted Green Beret.

He has now been called up for service by the Royal Marines 40 Command.

Anyone who would like to help with the record is urged to call Mr Allen on 07541 002911.