THEY will be chanting it from the terraces - and raising cash for our Guardian Angels appeal at the same time.

The fortunes of York City Football Club have been immortalised in a new song penned by an enthusiastic fan - and the club has offered part of the CD proceeds to our campaign.

York City supporter Neil James, who now lives in Manchester, has written and sung the song - called City Of Dreams - and the club hopes to launch it on CD at the end of this month.

York City's communications and community director, Sophie McGill, pictured, said the proceeds would go to York City Supporters' Trust, with a contribution to our Guardian Angels campaign - which aims to transform high dependency children's care at York Hospital.

She said: "I think it's just a charity that appeals and people are sympathetic about. It's an appeal that everyone can relate to."

Neil, 29, a media studies teacher, said he had supported York City since he was 16, but had never before released a song.

"I think we (York City) have come through such a hard time," he said. "There's still hard times ahead, but one of the greatest things is that we've come through. It's a community-based club.

"It was initially to raise money for York City Football Club - as a present fan, rather than give £20 or anything I could afford, to use my talent as a singer and writer to raise money."

Neil said he was delighted the CD, which includes another self-penned single "True" would be benefiting our campaign.

The musician has recorded the tracks of his song in different recording studios, including one in Acomb. It even includes authentic fans' chants which the singer recorded live at Kit Kat Crescent. He has also set up his own record label: M20 records.

The club plans to sell the CD in its own shop, but is also hoping it can be distributed more widely.

City Of Dreams

Destined to be faithful

To my very own team

In a city of dreams

Before we are shameful

It was born out of youth

And we're living proof

Isn't it time to say goodbye

To times we fail and rarely shine

But if we put the sun in the sky, and hope in our heart,

If we can keep the faith then we've done our part, so

Let's put the past to the back of our mind, singing,

York City, York City, York City

Oh, you make me so proud to be mine.

Take heart, we'll be with you,

Come rain or shine,

We won't miss a stride

Others may be stronger

But our Red Army grows

And everyone knows

That isn't it time we said goodbye

To times we fail and never shine

But if we put the sun in the sky, and hope in our heart,

If we can keep the faith then we've done our part,

Let's put the past to the back of our mind, singing

York City, York City, York City

Oh, you make me so proud to be mine

Let's put the past to the back of our mind, singing

York City, York City, York City

Oh, you make me so proud to be mine

Copyright 2005 Neil Cross. All rights reserved.

Updated: 11:10 Saturday, February 11, 2006