Former It Bites frontman Francis Dunnery said he is 'proud as punch' that the band's 80s hit Calling All The Heroes has been voted as the anthem of Cumbria.

The song by the Egremont-based group reached number six in the UK charts in 1986, but has again proved to be a big hit locally, as BBC Radio Cumbria listeners voted it their ‘anthem of Cumbria’ which would best symbolise the area.

And the song has now been reimagined into its own unique rendition by the BBC’s 80-piece Philharmonic Orchestra and had its first airing on Radio Cumbria yesterday.

Each musician recorded their part in their own home to make up the final piece. The orchestra worked on the rendition for two weeks to write, record, perfect and perform the cover version.

Mr Dunnery, originally from Egremont, is delighted with the result and speaking from his home in Pennsylvania he said: “I’m absolutely proud as punch.

“It made my day. I love the way they arranged it and it’s so exciting to hear music you have written come to life with an orchestra.

“It also makes me a little emotional because the song was written by the band in a squat in Peckham, when we were flat broke – we were living on hope.

“To see that song performed by the BBC Philharmonic is one of the most profound experiences of my life. I literally couldn’t be happier. Brilliant stuff. So exciting.”

BBC Radio Cumbria breakfast presenter Mike Zeller, added: “We have all been looking forward to hearing what the Philharmonic has produced and they did not disappoint! Singing along to their creation is irresistible. To hear a Cumbrian classic performed by such a talented orchestra is remarkable.”

The song will be added to the Great Northern Playlist, a collection of songs made up from one tune from each of the North’s 10 BBC Local Radio areas: Cumbria, Humberside, Merseyside, Tees, Leeds, Manchester, York, Lancashire, Sheffield and Newcastle.

Simon Webb, director of the BBC Philharmonic, said: “The BBC Philharmonic rose up to the challenge and produced a truly incredible take on Calling All the Heroes in all its glory!

“The Philharmonic has been playing and broadcasting concerts in the North of England for nearly 100 years and continues to showcase the musical talent of the region.”

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra’s version of Calling All The Heroes can be heard by listening on BBC Sounds streaming media and audio download.