The Co-op Group CEO Peter Marks has joined the race for Christmas number one with a version of Take That hit Greatest Day to raise money for young people with learning difficulties.

Marks was joined by seven colleagues to form the band Angel Square - named after the group’s head office in Manchester. Released yesterday on iTunes and other digital stores, the proceeds from the 79p single will go to learning charities Mencap and Enable Scotland.

“I was once quoted as saying that if I wasn’t at The Co-op, the only other job I would be interested in would be drumming for The Rolling Stones!” said Marks, who plays drums in the single. “I believed we could form a really good band, but even my high expectations have been surpassed by Angel Square.”

The Co-op Group has already raised £4.5m for Mencap and Enable Scotland this year.