AN UP and coming musician from Thornbury has released his first single – with every penny going to charity.

Having recently headlined at The Fleece in Bristol as well as having played at Thornbury Golf Centre and at Origin Cafe in Turnberries Benji Deane has decided to try and raise money and awareness for mental health and addiction issues.

He decided to raise the money following the recent death of his close friend, Fabio Ali, who committed suicide.

Having suffered from similar issues himself Benji came up with the innovative way to raise money for charity.

The single, titled Here and Now, includes an electronic remix by Fabio’s uncle Roberto and was released on iTunes on Saturday, September 25.

All the money raised by the single will be given directly to Nightline – a national charity which provides support for students during the night.

The single has the backing of some well-known faces including Mark Tremonti, guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed, David Rodigan MBE, Marcus Trescothick and Fiona Phillips.

Benji said: "Fabio is irreplaceable but we decided we had to do something positive in his memory.

“Nightline, Fabio's family's chosen charity, work nationwide to help students in crisis and the work they do is priceless.

“Mental health is a topic that resonated with me due to my similar previous issues, and we all feel that awareness needs to be raised to let people know that help is at hand.

“The charity is relatively unknown and the money and awareness raised through this will help them continue to be there for students in their time of need."

There are two songs, both 99p each, and are available at: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/here-now-fabios-release-single/id920061233.

Donations can also be made directly to the charity through their website, http://nightline.ac.uk.