Students at a south Norfolk school have recorded their own version of a Christmas classic to raise funds for charity.

A group of eight friends at Hethersett High School gave up a lunch hour yesterday to sing vocals over the original backing track of Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas?

While the original 1984 song, penned by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, helped raise millions of pounds for famine relief in Ethiopia, the young group, all aged 14 and 15, hope their version will collect money for Help for Heroes.

Following a recording in one of the school's music rooms, they hope to have their song Band Aid 2010 available to buy on iTunes by Monday with all the money generated being donated to the charity which supports the UK's wounded servicemen.

Year 10 pupil James Skipper only came up with the idea last week.

He said: 'It came together very quickly. I was watching it (music video) on tv and I thought it was a really cool song. I wondered if some of us could cover it.'

Within three days he had roped in enough mates to go ahead with the recording and had assigned each of them a few of the song's iconic lyrics - stepping into the shoes of Boy George, Simon Le Bon, Sting and George Michael.

Despite the original version having been released more than 10 years before they were all born, the group said the song felt more current due to its prolific playing on the radio and television in the run up to every Christmas.

As the track is known for its charitable status, they decided to dedicate their efforts to a cause they were familiar with.

Sophie Cooke said: 'Last year the staff raised money for the Help for Heroes charity and it's one that we all know about.'

Clement Moylan, who sings Bono's famous line, added: 'Basically it's all for a good cause . It's something that allows people at Christmas to give something back.'

Music teacher Matt Hall, who helped with the recording, said: 'I was amazed when they came up and asked to use my music room. Normally we have a lot going on in the music department at lunchtimes but I made room for them because it's for such a good cause.'