Comic's song aids Canberra firefighters

Australian stand-up Adam Hills has released a charity single to help fire-ravaged Canberra.

The comic, whose 2001 Edinburgh show was called Go You Big Red Fire Engine, recorded Working Class Anthem in aid of firefighters last year.

Now the track - which combines Australia's National Anthem with the rousing tribute Working Class Man - is being re-released in Australia following the blazes that destroyed more than 450 homes in the capital.

Around 40 comics contributed to the song, including Bob Downe creator Mark Tevorrow, which made the independent top 10 in Australia last June.

All money raised goes to the Australasian Fire Authority Council, a fund established by Jon Bon Jovi and Working Class Man songwriter Jimmy Barnes in 1994.

"It's a charity for the training and equipment of the firies," Hills told Sydney Confidential. "I might establish myself as a government funding department."

Hills returns to the UK next month for a 21-date national tour. Click here for dates

Published: 22 Jan 2003