The Salvation Army is celebrating Christmas by entering into the chart battle with a performance for the Children in Need single, as well as launching a digital Christmas card appeal.

The Portsmouth Salvation Army band has recorded with world famous singer Aled Jones and Sir Terry Wogan, among others, for this year's Christmas single in aid of BBC Children in Need.

The song, entitled 'Christmas Dream', will be available for download on December 15 and it is hoped that it will reach the No 1 spot while helping to raise funds to support disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.

Sir Terry Wogan has said it is "always an honour" to work with The Salvation Army.  Aled Jones added: "It's been fitting to have them on board."

"[It] is a fantastic organisation that works with people who are isolated or in need in every community," he said.

Sub-editor in the Salvation Army's Music Ministries, Dean Jones, commented: "It's been a lovely opportunity to get involved with something that brings happiness to children at Christmas.

"We felt would be an excellent way of us contributing to [our] aims".

Another project reaching out to the most vulnerable members of society is The Salvation Army's Great Christmas Card off, which launched on Monday.

The digital project intends to show solidarity with isolated and vulnerable people at Christmas, as well as increasing the Church and charity's online presence by reaching 50,000 signatures on its electronic Christmas card.

The card invites users to leave a message for the people helped by The Salvation Army, and the opportunity is also given to share that message on social media and donate to the organisation.

"At heart is the same principle that motivates the Salvation Army – inclusion," says Commissioner Clive Adams, Territorial Commander of the UK and Ireland.

"Beneath the sleek design of this e-card lies the beating heart of our Christian message – that whoever you are, whatever circumstances befall you, you are never beyond hope.

"Thanks to this e-card, the people of the UK and Ireland can stand shoulder to shoulder with [vulnerable people] at what can be for many an incredibly lonely time of year."

Messages will be distributed to The Salvation Army's Lifehouses for homeless and elderly people across the UK.

Sign the e-card here:http://christmascard.salvationarmy.org.uk/