A FLAMENCO punk band could be the surprise Christmas number one as betting shops place them sixth favourite to top the charts.

Worcester-based Gypsy Pistoleros are fighting it out with the likes of Adele, Ed Sheeran and Elton John to get the coveted festive number one spot.

Their cover of Ricky Martin's Livin' La Vida Loca currently has odds of 33/1 to reach number one and is expected to hit the top ten.

They are also up aganst LadBaby, Abba and joint sixth favourite with Mariah Carey's Christmas hit All IWant For Christmas Is You.

Singer Lee Jones, aka Gypsy Lee Pistolero, said the cover was a favourite with even the heavy metal crowd with fans pushing it to be released at Christmas.

Mr Jones, from St John's, said: "It's been going amazing and it will be incredible if we can pull this one off.

"If we get into the top five it will be brilliant especially when we are up against big names on major labels.

"BUt it's lovely and gives the public the chance to rebel and back the outsiders and mess up the music industry's beautiful laid plans.

"If we stop Ed Sheeran and Elton John getting the Christmas number one that will be the ultimate."

Gypsy Pistoleros is made up of bass player Kez White and guitar player Mark Westwood, also both from St Johns.

Also joining them are Jan Vincent Vellazco on drums and trumpet player Kris Jones.

They are being backed by Jon Morter who led the charge to get Rage Against the Machine to Christmas number one ahead of X Factor winner Joe McElderry.

Mr Jones added: "It's strange because I have been in bands since I was 14 so it is really surreal.

"This will probably open things up for us and we're already seeing that people are suddenly replying to our messages.

"It's great because we know what we're up against so if we can get into the top ten it will be fantastic.

"It changes everything but it's also really fun - imagine Livin' La Vida Loca at Christmas instead of Mistletoe and Wine."

Gypsy Pistolero Livin' La Vida Loca can be pre-saved here or visit www.gypsypistoleros.com.