A WWII veteran who is the same age as Queen Elizabeth II is reviving his pop career at the age of 96 to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

Charity single “Thank you (Your Majesty)”, which is a reworking of the dance classic “Go West”, was released on Friday, May 20, to mark the start of UK-wide celebrations.

WWII RAF radio operator John Pearce debuted in the charts at Christmas 2021 with group The 1945 with the track “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”.

Now, he has been back in the studio to record the new charity track and video “Thank you (Your Majesty)”, an upbeat song thanking the Queen for everything she has done and continues to do.

The group the 1945 was created by the popular Air Raid Shelter Café and Tea Room in High Wycombe, owned by Chris Miller.

The group includes café regulars John, Dot and fellow veterans. Others include children from Highcrest Academy, local upcoming singing sensation Katie Page, café owner Chris, the Tuneless Choir High Wycombe and vintage songbird May Blossom.

The group have also created a music video that opens in High Wycombe town centre; in addition to everyone who sings, it features swing dancers, passers-by, the Emperor of High Wycombe, the residents of Shelburne Lodge care home and even a cute dog, making it a genuine community tribute to Her Majesty The Queen.

John said: “It’s a real honour to be able to say a proper thank you to Her Majesty. She was a real inspiration during the war and has continued to lead by example. Wonderful.”

Shelburn Lodge residents, who live nearby in Rutland Street, are regular visitors to the Air Raid Shelter Café, which is decked out in wartime items.

They celebrated the launch of the single on Thursday, May 19.

Proceeds from the single are going to Rennie Grove Hospice Care www.renniegrove.org, a charity providing specialist care and support for adults and children with a life-limiting illness in Buckinghamshire and West Hertfordshire.

Marina Glen, General Manager at Shelburne Lodge said: “Chris is such a good friend of the home, we love going to his wonderful café and so when he asked us if we’d like to take part in his charity project, of course we said yes.

“The residents loved taking part and singing along, we hope to raise lots of funds for Rennie Grove.”

Café owner Chris, 41, said of the pair’s second single: “It’s been amazing seeing the community come together to show how much they appreciate the Queen, and to support the fantastic work done by Rennie Grove Hospice Care.”

Last time the 1945 cracked the top 100, zooming past the likes of Ariana Grande and Little Mix in the iTunes Christmas chart.

“Thank you (Your Majesty)” was recorded by Roy Bates and produced by Tony Page. The video was produced by Lightdraw Photography & Film.

“Thank you (Your Majesty)” is available to download on Apple Music and Amazon Music.