A FENLAND guitarist hopes his band will beat X Factor winners Little Mix, The Only Way is Essex, Nirvana and Gareth Malone’s Military Wives Choir to the Christmas number one.

Dan Zambas joined Angel Square, set up by Co-operative group chief executive Peter Marks, and wants their version of Take That’s Greatest Day beats Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse and the Wombles to the coveted music prize. Radio 1’s Dominic the Donkey is also in the running.

The accounts payable co-ordinator for the Co-op grew up in the Fenland town, he attended Ramnoth Primary and Queen Schools before studying at City college, Norwich. He said: “I never thought playing in a band would form part of my career development. I absolutely love it - I might even start growing my long hair back again.”

The song, which will raise money for Mencap, was released on Sunday and already was the 143rd most downloaded song on iTunes.

Mr Marks, drummer for the eight-piece band, said: “Throughout 2011, our fantastic staff, members and customers have raised more than �4.5million for Mencap and ENABLE Scotland - money that is already having a tremendous and positive impact and offers an opportunity to transform the lives for a generation of young people with a learning disability.

“At a time when the co-operative business model is very much in fashion, the United Nations has proclaimed 2012 to be the International Year of Co-operatives and there are approaching one billion members of co-operatives worldwide... maybe, just maybe, we could give X-Factor a run for its money!”

The group, named after the street the Co-operative main office is based, raised �60,000 last Friday at Manchester’s Band on the Wall, performing a Rolling Stones medley, Brown Eyed Girl and their charity single.