Salvation Army sign £1 million record contract

The Salvation Army's International Staff Band signed a £1 million record deal with Universal today (October 8).

The charity organisation's band have already recorded their first album, 'Together', for the label, reports BBC News.

Universal chiefs have described the band as "the world's greatest buskers".

The charity hope sales of the album, set for release in November, will boost Christmas fund-raising and help the organisation during the credit crunch.

"This is a really exciting project," The Salvation Army's Major David Hinton said, "which we hope will not only raise money but will also help to raise awareness of the needs of the people with whom we work."

Universal's Dickon Stainer added: "At a time when lives are being turned upside down, people need something to rely on.

"The sound of The Salvation Army gives comfort to people when times are tough, as they are now. We hope that this record will help expand the reach of their traditional fundraising."