THE Military Wives Choir have said they are still "pinching themselves" after announcing their Christmas number one single had raised more than half a million pounds for charity.

The song, Wherever You Are, was the fastest-selling charity single since Elton John's Candle In The Wind in 1997, the Official Charts Company confirmed.

The group have presented a cheque for £503,985 to charities — The Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help.