BBC Radio Solent DJ Sylv Willoughby has made an early start on this year's Children in Need appeal.

Sylv gave her own rendition of Southampton legend Benny Hill's famous song Ernie (who was the fastest milkman in the west) to raise money for the annual BBC telethon which is taking place next Friday.

Benny Hill - who died in April 1992 - wrote the song in remembrance of his days as an Eastleigh milkman.

Sylv was photographed for the CD cover today at Vines Dairies in Southamp-ton complete with modern day milkmen.

The DJ said she felt right at home.

"I've always had a great affinity for milkmen, being as I used to get up at half past three in the morning for so many years, doing the early shift," she said, referring to her many years of service at Radio Solent.

"Their uniform really suited me and they've got these really dinky little leather satchels."

Only 100 copies of the exclusive £5 cover song will be sold. The Daily Echo will be selling them in our shops in West Street, Fareham and Hanover Buildings in South-ampton with at least £2 per CD going to the worthy appeal.

Organiser Liz Sparks hopes to raise at least £200 with Sylv's version of the Hampshire funny-man's classic.

Staff at Radio Solent will be teasing listeners with tiny excerpts from the track throughout next week. The public will be asked to pledge money to hear the full version.

If you are organising a fundraising event for Children In Need, contact Tom Husband at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4503 or e-mail using the link above.