Gareth Malone and the Military Wives' Christmas Number One single raised over £500,000, it has been announced, as the choir reveals plans to release an album.

The women presented a cheque for £503,985 to their two nominated military charities, The Royal British Legion and SSAFA Forces Help.

The money was raised through sales of their record breaking single Wherever You Are, which was written by royal wedding composer Paul Mealor using lines from the wives' love letters to their serving husbands in Afghanistan.

Malone told Sky News he is so proud of what they have all achieved.

"It means so much to me personally because this is the biggest thing I've ever done. I can't top this. I'm so proud of the association with these women," he said.

"They're incredible for what they achieve on a daily basis but this has just distilled into something that the nation will never forget."

One of the wives, Laura Thompson, says it is a very special day for all of them.

"It's just amazing, I'm so proud to be part of something that helps other people, I'm in awe," she gushed.

Susie Brady, whose husband and son are serving marines, added that their families are all delighted with their achievement.

"They can't believe it, it's something so out of the ordinary for us, they're very proud.

"Obviously we didn't expect any of this so to have a single and an album and to raise so much for charities that are so personal for us - I'm over the moon."

Their follow-up album In My Dreams will be released in time for Mother's Day and is named after a new Paul Mealor song on the album.

It will also include the hit single Wherever You Are and Adele's Make You Feel My Love.

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Military Wives' Success Leads To Album Plans