Collabro have vowed to give all the cash from sales of their first single to help victims of disaster.

The world's most successful musical theatre group - featuring Carlisle singer Matt Pagan - have been moved to help after one of them was caught up in Hurricane Irma.

Michael Auger was on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin when winds of up to 185mph tore through the Caribbean and Florida – leaving dozens dead and thousands homeless.

He witnesses for himself some of the devastation so has encouraged bandmates Matt, Jamie Lambert and Thomas Redgrave to use the release of Lighthouse - on Friday - to raise money for Save The Children’s Emergency Fund, which helps those suffering in disasterzones worldwide.

The Britain's Got Talent winners said today: "After what Michael went through, and the terrible pictures we’ve all seen on TV of the devastation wrought by Irma, we wanted to do something to help those affected by natural disasters like this, around the world.

“The message of the song, being a beacon of hope wherever you are, we felt was very fitting as natural disasters like this affect people both directly and indirectly.

"Save The Children does amazing work around the world and are a beacon of hope for young people and families caught up in war and natural disasters."

Lighthouse was co-written by the band and Ben Adams of boyband A1.

Every time the song is downloaded, 99p will go to the fund which mobilises emergency teams in times of crisis, allowing them to assess situations and get life-saving food, shelter and medicines straight to where they are most urgently needed.

Michael, who is now back in the UK, said: “The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Irma is truly heart-breaking for the people of the Caribbean and Florida.

“I know I was very lucky to escape unharmed but there are many thousands of people who have lost everything and will feel the effects of this disaster for years to come.”

Claire Rowney, Save The Children's executive director of fundraising, said:

"We are so grateful to Collabro and their fans as they will be raising vital money for emergencies around the world.

"Every download of ‘Lighthouse’ means that we can continue to mobilise teams and reach the most vulnerable families at times of crisis."

Collabro featured as part of Cumbria Pride in Carlisle at the weekend, proving a huge hit with the crowd