POP superstar Ed Sheeran is backing a flagship charity song recorded by a Hampshire teen in tribute to the fallen military heroes.

The international singer-songwriter is urging his millions of fans to download the song Soldier, Soldier recorded by schoolgirl Rachel Ward.

Rachel, 14, from Southampton, initially launched the song to commemorate the First World War and raise money for military charities.

Now Brit Award winner Ed has agreed to promote her campaign – loading the single on to his website after she told him of the initiative when meeting her at one of his gigs.

And it is already thrusting her into the spotlight with views of the song on video sharing website YouTube soaring from 500 to over 2,000 within 24 hours and now stands at 3,000.

The teenager, whose father Russell serves as a British Army Warrant Officer, recorded the song at the Duke of York Royal Military School in Dover where she boards during term time.

The tune, written by Dover-based songwriter, Vida Ivatt, features her singing solo backed by classmates from the school’s orchestra.

It is raising money for the Rifles charity Care for Casualties and soldier’s charity ABF.

Rachel met Ed at a concert at the London’s O2 Arena after her father was granted free tickets after providing security for the superstar when he played in Afghanistan.

Now he has finally accepted her request, Rachel told the Echo: “It is a real honour that he has listened to and agreed to support my song.

“He is my idol, meeting him was amazing, but for him to recognise me in this way is incredible.”

“It’s important to remember those who gave their lives and their families left without a husband, father or son.

“This will give publicity for the charities, the school and myself and for Ed.”

Recalling the overwhelming moment when they met, she added: “He jumped out of his seat and gave my dad a big hug.

“I was there trembling and crying.

“But he is such a down-to-earth person and we both play the guitar and sing.

“It will help me because I also write my own music.”

Major David Cresswell, the school’s director of Military Music, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for two worthy military charities.”

The song can be downloaded on iTunes for 79p.