Francesca Battistelli to release Christmas album

Contemporary singer Francesca Battistelli will release her first Christmas album this year.

The release date and the title have yet to be announced.

She will also feature alongside Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Rascall Flatts and others on the Very Special Christmas album.

The Very Special Christmas is celebrating 25 years of festive releases this year by releasing two albums - A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary on Big Machine Records, and A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth, out on Word Records.

Both albums will be released on 16 October.

It's been a great year for Francesca, who gave birth to her second child, Audrey Jane, in July. Francesca also has a son, Matthew Elijah.