There were a few eyebrows raised in October when Universal Records signed the Salvation Army to a three-album record deal.

The 32-strong International Staff Band is made up of all the best members of regional Salvation Army bands and has three members from Croydon, including Baritone horn player Iain Parkhouse.

The 47-year-old financial advisor from Purley however only admitted to be a little surprised at the deal, particularly the large scope of it.

He said: “I suppose I was surprised as it has never happened quite that way before.

“There’s been a few other collaborations before but never to the degree that Universal wanted to promote it.

“From that point of view I was very surprised but when you look at it and think how many people like Salvation Army bands in this country I am surprised it has not been done before, it is about time really.”

The first album, Together, is expected to chart in the top 20 in its first week of release this Sunday and includes versions of classics Nessun Dorma, Somewhere over the Rainbow and You Raise Me Up, while there are also collaborations with Aled Jones, Lesley Garrett and the Fron Male Voice Choir.

“It’s not the normal thing we would do but it’s an interesting project,” said Iain.

“It was a collaboration between Universal and the Salvation Army coming together and deciding what was best to do.

“We as a band do one or two CDs a year but normally we are very much geared up to more serious brass band music.”

Iain is a life-long member of the Salvation Army and the fifth generation of his family to be involved with the organisation.

He is also deputy songster leader of the Croydon branch and will be taking part in their Christmas Praise concert at Fairfield Halls this Sunday, with special guest 11-year-old singing sensation Charlie Green from Britain’s Got Talent.

Iain said: “It is a concert we have done for about 40 years and it’s very much a mixture of choral service and carol singing, with the band playing as well.

“I heard Charlie a few weeks ago and I am sure that the crowd are going to love him.”

Croydon Salvation Army, Fairfield Halls, December 7, 2.30pm and 6pm, £6. Call 020 8680 9924 or visit fairfield.co.uk.