A MUSICIAN has released a charity single in memory of fellow football fans who have died.

Paul Hand is an avid Manchester City fan who has regularly performed at the Etihad Stadium, and has been inspired by a Facebook page devoted to honouring the memory of others Blues supporters.

The 35-year-old, of Castlebrook Close, Unsworth, wrote the song after being moved by the tributes left on the 'Mcfc Memorial Lets Not Forget Past Blues' page, which was set up by Eddie Sparrow and has more than 7,000 likes.

The ballad, 'Hearts Still Singing', was released for download on Friday, the anniversary of the death of Paul's uncle, Ged McGuire, another lifelong City fan.

Paul, who grew up in Prestwich and attended St Monica's High School, said: "I have worked with City in the past and have sung Blue Moon on the pitch a couple of seasons ago.

"I have also done some parody songs about a few players that I have sung at the ground as well.

"People around the club know me as a singer, and someone directed me to this Facebook page in memory of fans who have passed away.

"It's a way for the fans to support each other and it was suggested that I write a song for them."

Half of the profits made by the single will be given to a charity connected to the Facebook page.

The singer-songwriter added: "It can be really heartwarming and moving to read some of the stories on there about people young and old. The song is quite generic rather than focusing on anyone in particular but has been inspired by the human companionship that you see in football.

"We are going to make it a charity single, either in aid of a person or a cause that is connected to the group.

"The Facebook page has about 7,000 followers and it just shows what an anchor football can be for people going through tough times, and that is the same at all clubs.

"It's a great page that Eddie has set up off his own back and provides a shoulder to cry on for a lot of fans. His time, effort and hard work maintaining the page is exceptional."