A FORMER soldier from Stanford-le-Hope is hoping to march his way into the charts after recording a World Cup song.

Super patriot and former Grenadier Guard Simon Cole came up with the idea for a World Cup anthem in March and has turned the dream into reality.

Simon, who is a driving instructor, has now recorded his song "I believe in England" which he wrote with friend and musician Joe Blake – based on the original tune 'My Oh My' by Slade.

Simon, who is now a driving instructor, says: "I was lying in the bath back in March listening to my playlist and the original started playing and I just put some England words to it.

"Next day I told the wife, Karen, and she said it was a good idea. I'm a driving instructor and an old pupil and friend Joe was a musician so I asked him if he wanted to be involved and though he didn't seem to keen at first he realised that it had potential and here we are now.

Flying the flag: Simon Cole

"I'm ex Grenadier Guard and I am very patriotic as you can see by my car""

Simon has recorded a video for the film with family and friends, which was filmed in his local - the Rising Sun.

He added: "I would like to thank Karen, who has stood by me with this, Joe, the Rising Sun and, of course, Slade!"

The song can be downloaded on all major channels including Spotify, Apple Tunes and YourTube.

Simon's not the only Thurrock fan hoping to sing England to success in Qatar, where the World Cup finals start later this month, with England playing their first match on 21 November.

Last month Thurrock Nub News reported on the launch of a single part written and starring Orsett-based songwriter Richy Hughes who is one of a trio of winning songwriters who have come up with a tune called 'Stick Another Star on the Shirt' to celebrate England's finals appearance.