BEE Gee star Robin Gibb could become the first British artist to have number one singles spanning six decades following the release of this year's official Poppy Appeal song.

The Manx born singer has released the Bee Gee's classic I've Gotta Get A Message To You with The Soldiers – a group of singing servicemen made up of Sergeant Major Gary Childton, Staff Sergeant Richie Maddocks and Lance Corporal Ryan Idzi.

I've Gotta Get A Message To You was originally a number one hit for the Bee Gees in 1968.

If the single goes in at number one it will mean the Gibb brothers have had UK number one singles spanning six decades – beating Cliff Richard who has a five-decade record.

Writing on his website, www.robingibb.com, Robin said it was a "great honour" to have the song chosen by the British Legion and said it would be a "great achievement" for the song to go to number one.

He said: "The Poppy Appeal is a way of showing pride in the sacrifice of our young men and recording this song with active servicemen adds a special factor to the message."

This is the first time the Royal British Legion's official poppy single will feature serving soldiers. This year the focus of the Poppy Appeal is the legion's involvement in the recovery of injured armed forces personnel.

Speaking to the Press Association about the single Robin Gibb said: "Although not written all those years back about soldiers it can represent the human emotions of servicemen - or in this case a single soldier.

"It's about being trapped in a corner far from home, brave but scared and thinking of loved ones."

I’ve Gotta Get A Message To You is on sale now available as a download and as a two track CD single. All proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion and the Benevolent Fund of the First Queen’s Dragoon Guards.