HAMPSHIRE cricket chairman Rod Bransgrove and his band Strapped For Cash have released a Christmas single, which is already proving an iTunes hit.

Despite its title, Strapped for Cash This Christmas contains an upbeat message about the importance of friends and family at Christmas.

Originally written by acoustic guitarist Rod, all members of the band were responsible for developing the song, which was recorded at Aubitt Studios and is being considered for Radio 2 airtime by breakfast show DJ Chris Evans.

Profits from the sale of the song will be distributed to four young people’s charities – Children In Need, Wessex Heartbeat, the Shane Warne Foundation and Hampshire Cricket Community Trust.

Founder members of celebrated local blues band Rufus Stone, Malc Eyers and Solly Read, perform in the band, alongside keyboard player Sean McMenemy, the son of Saints legend Lawrie and a musician for the John Miles Band, Nik Kershaw and Bucks Fizz.

Strapped For Cash is completed by Dr Feelgood guitarist Tim Payne and drummer Chris Pope who has performed live with After Hours and The Storm.

The six-piece were joined by seven girls from the Twyford School choir for a video, filmed in the Ageas Bowl atrium and at Haskins Garden Centre in West End.

Strapped For Cash This Christmas is available to buy at iTunes.