Members of the legendary ska band The Specials have helped pupils at a Leicestershire primary to record a charity single in aid of children in Haiti.

Pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties at Moel Llys, a short-stay school in Kirby Muxloe, near Leicester, worked with the band to create a new version of their classic hit ‘A Message to You, Rudy’.

Band members Lynval Golding, Roddy Byers and Neville Staple visited the school to record the track and make a DVD.

Headteacher Jonathan Read, who also plays with the band as a session musician, invited them in to record the song.

The video has now had more than 2,000 views on YouTube and the single is available to buy on iTunes.

At one point, the recording reached number 17 in the reggae singles chart on iTunes, with Bob Marley at number one.

Singer Staple said: “Working with the children was wonderful.

“They were incredibly enthusiastic and we’re really pleased with the new version of the song and hope it will raise some money towards helping those in need.” IB.