Paul McCartney joins charity single

Los Angeles - Sir Paul McCartney appears on a new charity single for the victims of the Hillsborough disaster.

The Beatles musician is one of a number of stars who have recorded a cover of He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother - originally by The Hollies - to raise money for the families of victims of the Hillsborough disaster, a tragedy where 96 fans of Liverpool soccer club died in the overcrowded Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield during a 1989 FA Cup match.

Paul, 69, will be joined by other Liverpool natives on the track, including Rebecca Ferguson, Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Holly Johnson, The Zutons' Dave McCabe and Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers.

A host of other stars have also lent their talents to the single - to be released under the name The Justice Collective - include Robbie Williams, Mel C, Paloma Faith, Beverley Knight and former The Clash guitarist Mick Jones.

Ongoing legal battle

Money raised from the single will help the families of the victims in their ongoing legal battle against those responsible for the poor organisation of the event, which led to the disaster.

Guy Chambers, who has produced the track - released on 17 December - said: "I am deeply honoured to be asked to produce this record for the 96. If we can help to raise money to support the families' legal battle so that they finally get their time in court then our job will be done."

Margaret Aspinall, who chairs the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said she was very pleased Paul - who sings and plays guitar on the song - decided to join in.

She told the BBC: "He decided to do it and I think that's lovely because he's from Liverpool, he knows how Liverpool people work and he understands us."