RAUNCHY rockers Bacchus, who have appeared regularly at Evesham's Railway Hotel, have just released their own World Cup single which they hope will capture the imagination of England fans.

The band, formed by five school friends in 1971, have released Merry England.

The single will be available for download from their website at www.bacchus-band.co.uk which is currently under construction.

Vocalist and bassist Rob Wilson, from Willersey, said he was inspired to write the song because he felt there had been no stirring anthem to emerge to inspire England fans during the tournament.

The 50-year-old England supporter said: "Our single is a very evocative song about England and is quite patriotic.

"The lyrics in our song are about how England go away to play in the games but come back winning the cup.

The song itself, like our music, is very positive, fun and quite a powerful piece of music."

Alongside Rob in the line-up are "Dancing" Jack Butler on rhythm and lead guitar, Steve Carter, guitar and vocals, Toby Beaufoy, guitar, and John "Viking" Wilkinson.

Bacchus who regularly play at the Railway, celebrated their 35th anniversary at the Lifford Hall in Broadway at the beginning of the year.

They will be following up Merry England with an album called the Seize the Day due for release on Monday July 3.

Bacchus will be performing at the Railway Hotel on Friday, September.

The popular High Street venue is currently featuring a series of cover bands which have proved popular with local music fans.

Last weekend saw the return of The Bon Jovi Experience featuring a number of former members of the now-defunct By Jovi.

They were recently acclaimed as "the best tribute band I have ever seen" by Radio 1 DJ and television personality Chris Evans.

A number of others have been lined up over the course of the year and full details are expected to be released shortly.