The Group Chief Executive of The Co-operative Group and a cast of colleagues have today (9 December) launched a charity record in aid of Mencap.

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The eight piece outfit features staff from across The Co-operative including food, finance and the head office legal department.

Joining Peter Marks in the band and recording their version of the Take That hit 'Greatest Day' are; Trevor Ashworth, Director of food retail logistics, on keys; Lee Braddock who is responsible for the Food Supply Chain, on bass, Eivind Brown in IS and planning on rhythm guitar and, Dan Zambas from the finance department who plays lead guitar and synths.

In addition, vocals are provided by Kat Harper who works in food media and communications, Caroline McCann from the Group's legal department and, Dan Harley, a category merchandiser within the food division who is the band's musical director and lead vocalist.

The song is available for download and proceeds will raise money for the The Co-operative's charity of the year Mencap and its sister charity ENABLE Scotland, to develop 'Inspire Me' – a programme designed to give up to 20,000 young people with a learning disability opportunities to change their futures.

Peter, whose day job is running The Co-operative Group – the UK's largest mutual business with more than 6 million members - has given up spare time to rehearse and, as well as launching the single, the band will tonight play a sell-out live gig in the heart of Manchester.

Angel Square, which is also the address of the Group's new head office in Manchester, will play a full set including hits by Maroon 5, The Black Eyed Peas and The Rolling Stones, to a sell-out crowd at the city's Band on the Wall venue.

Keen drummer Peter Marks, said: "I was once quoted as saying that if I wasn't at The Co-operative, the only other job I would be interested in would be drumming for The Rolling Stones!

"I knew that the idea of a band formed entirely from co-operative colleagues had the potential to support our charity of the year. Given the great talent I see day in and day out in our business, I believed that we could form a really good band, but even my own high expectations have been surpassed by the talent in Angel Square.

"Throughout 2011, our fantastic staff, members and customers have raised more than £4.5 million for Mencap and ENABLE Scotland - money that is already having a tremendous and positive impact and offers an opportunity to transform the lives for a generation of young people with a learning disability.

"At a time when the co-operative business model is very much in fashion, the United Nations has proclaimed 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives and there are approaching one billion members of co-operatives worldwide …maybe, just maybe, we could give X-Factor a run for its money!"

Laura Gammage, Corporate Development Manager at Mencap, says "We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by everyone in The Co-operative Group and are delighted that this charity single will be raising even more money for Mencap and ENABLE Scotland to help support young people with a learning disability."

The single was recorded at Manchester’s School of Sound Recording (SSR) in November and released for digital download by legendary record label Revolver who, in their 30 year history have worked with a diverse array of artists including fellow Mancunian band The Stone Roses.

The song is available for download from Friday, 9 December, from iTunes and all good digital music stores, priced 79p.

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