A retired guitarist is thrilled his band’s charity single stormed to number 17 in the indie charts - beating Vampire Weekend and the Pet Shop Boys.

Anchor Community Band musician and singer Victor Haywood, 68, who lives in Louie Black House in Elm Grove, Wimbledon was stunned when his song, See Yourself, debuted at 17 in the Official Indie Charts on June 8.

Mr Haywood, who has played guitar for more than 30 years and appeared in the single’s music video, said: "I am so pleased that we have got to such a high position in the charts. Everyone worked so hard and it was a lot of fun producing the record.

"This was the first time I had ever performed on a record so it is a real achievement.

"I hope that people will continue to buy the record as all the money goes to Contact the Elderly which is such a worthwhile charity."

The national charity organises monthly Sunday tea parties hosted by volunteers for older people who live alone.

Louie Black House manager Christine Peri said: "I’m so proud of Victor and the 350 older people in the band. Behind all our hard work is a very serious message."

She explained the Campaign to End Loneliness has found more than one million people aged over 65 across the country are often or always lonely.

She said: "People buying the single will help a charity which strives to reduce this isolation felt by so many older people."

See Yourself is available to buy now on Amazon.co.uk, iTunes and in HMV stores.