NEWPORT Gwent Dragons Choir are dreaming of chart success after releasing their first ever single.

The 80-strong choir, formed just 18 months ago, are releasing their own version of classic Welsh hymn Cwm Rhondda in time for next month's Six Nations championship.

The choir, which includes local teachers and nurses, will also perform at the Millennium Stadium for the second time when they sing the anthem before Wales' showdown with defending champions France in March.

The group sang the anthem before last year's battle with England after winning a competition on S4C's 'Codi Canu' (Raise a Song) programme by beating choirs from the other Welsh regions.

The new single, recordrded at Bedwas Miners' Social Club, is available for download online or by texting 'WALES' to 78789. The single costs 99p to download.

It has been produced by Caerphilly-based PCR Music, who are behind previous official WRU records.

All money raised from the sale of the single will be donated to the Ty Hafan charity and the Toby Lloyd Cockbain Foundation.

The choir's conductor, Helen Robbins, 30, a primary school teacher from Cwmbran, said: "Everyone is really excited about the single. It sounds absolutely fantastic.

"Let's hope it inspires the Welsh team to victory."

Choir chairman Dafydd Oliver, 35, added: "We're not expecting a number one but if we can sell enough we may get into the charts."

But music producer Paul Thomas said a number one hit is not out of the question.

"The top 40 is a distinct possibility and there is certainly a chance of getting number one if people get behind it.

"The number one last week only sold about 40,000," he said.

The Dragons choir will have to sell about 3,000 downloads to trouble the top 40. Mr Thomas said he hoped the single would be advertised on the giant screens at the Millenninum Stadium during the Wales v Scotland game on February 9 - the day before the official chart is released.

  • The single's official release date is February 3. It is available for pre-order download at www.7digital.com/wales now or by texting WALES to 78789. Texts cost £1.50
Dragons Choir go on tour The Dragons Choir will also launch a tour next month as part of the 'Made In Wales' Show which is touring Wales during February and March.

The show stars comedian Owen Money, singer Paul Child and the Welsh Television Orchestra The show is at The Dolman Theatre in Newport on February 7 and at The Congress Theatre, Cwmbran on February 22.