SINGING plumber Dave Hurrell, star of the Bentley real life TV programme, 'The Village' has gone from soap opera to soap box with the release next week of his first single, described as being 'a bit like a football anthem'.

Dave from Crondall had set his sights on pop stardom but it looks as though his song 'We'll Still Sing Rule Britannia' could be officially adopted by the anti-European Union UK Independence Party as a political anthem as well.

"It's not political really but it says things like keeping Britain British," says Dave, who is bowled over at this fresh chance for fame.

"It's fantastic. It's a dream come true really. I think it's a good song so I hope it's going to be a little bit of a hit," says Dave.

"I don't mind being linked to a political party because I believe in Britain but I am surprised, although the song is very patriotic so maybe it suits them. It will certainly give me a higher profile."

David Lott, the UK Independence Party candidate for the Isle of Wight, who spotted the song as a possible anthem for his party, has sent a copy to his national executive which will decide this week whether to use it around the country in the run-up to the general election. Already branches of the party have pledged to play the song to help rally support.

"The words are absolutely terrific. It's an anti-EU song and there are a few digs in it. I'm hoping that our members will go to the record shops and buy some copies to give it a bit of a boost," says Mr. Lott.

Dave's chance to record the song came when New Forest lyricist, Barry Lowe, saw him on Meridian TV's 'The Village'. He contacted Dave to ask if he would be interested in recording the song, the music for which was written by Merv Greenslade.

John Waterman of Solent Records then agreed to produce the CD.

"I should think it's going to be a hit, it's a great song," says John.

"It's a fairly mild song saying how great it is to be British and how Britain needs to be protected from being taken over by Europe, but it's pro-British not anti-Europe," he says.

Solent Records is also pushing the CD through magazines like This England and the British Legion magazine.

The CD also includes two other songs, Peggy Sue's a Granny Now, a nostalgic rock 'n roll "sequel" to the Buddy Holly classic Peggy Sue, and A Touch of Gold, a dedication to Elvis Presley. The CD is being released by HMV on Monday.

On Wednesday, Dave was on the Isle of Wight promoting the CD on local radio stations and next Monday at 4pm, he will be signing copies at HMV in The Friary, Guildford.

r The CD which is available from most record shops costs £3.99 and is on the Solent Records label.