A Hackney brass band has made their own special tribute to David Bowie - all for a good cause.

The Hackney Colliery Band have released a free version of the hit single ‘Heroes’ while encouraging people to donate to charity.

It comes after the news that the 69-year-old music icon died on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

The nice-piece brass band are big fans of the South London star and had planned to celebrate his work ahead of a new album release.

Founder of the band Steve Pretty, said: “A few years ago a private client commissioned us to do a version of Heroes and with the release of Black Star we thought we would get it out there as a download only thing.

“But with the terrible news on Monday, we reconsidered what we could do and decided to try raise a bit of money for charity instead.

“We just wanted to give our own little tribute to the great man and his work”

The brass band member from Dalston said that bands all over the world can draw inspiration from the UK star.

Steve added: “What we do is quite different but at the same time, his creative spirit is so important and inspiring for us and many other bands.

“He was fearless about pursuing his own thing in his own way.”

“We have been spending a lot of time in the studio recently and when someone like David Bowie dies, it’s incredibly poignant and reminds you about the choices you make while making music.

“To be so successful but in such an original and unique way is very special.

The band are encouraging people to donate to Cancer Research and the Macmillan Support Trust.

Steve said: “Releasing the single for free and encouraging people to donate feels like an appropriate thing to do”,

“Both charities do amazing work in developing treatment and supporting cancer victims and their families.”

People wishing to donate can do so via www.cancerresearchuk.org/support-us/donate and www.macmillan.org.uk/donate