THE composer behind the Military Wives runaway Christmas number one has thanked the people for Flintshire for their support.
Paul Mealor was at his parents’ home in Connah’s Quay when he found out his composition, sung by the wives of servicemen posted in Afghanistan, knocked X Factor winners Little Mix off the top spot.
“I was watching Top of The Pops when I found out,” said Paul, 36.
“It was so exciting, just like when I was a kid. To get to number one was an unbelievable feeling.
“To get to number one in the classical charts with my album A Tender Light was unbelievable, but to help the Military Wives get a Christmas number one was out of this world.”
The professor of music at the University of Aberdeen is one of only two living composers whose music was performed at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.
The single sold 556,000 copies last week, more than the rest of the top 12 combined, the Official Charts Company said. Proceeds are being donated to the Royal British Legion and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA).
Paul said: “My parents were thrilled to bits and we drank a lot of champagne. All the family and my friends were fantastic, I got loads of emails, Facebook messages and phone calls.
“I’d like to thank everyone who bought the single and made this happen. I’d especially like to thank the people of Flintshire who came out in their thousands to buy this song and help our Military Wives.
“I’ve spoken to loads of the wives. No one can believe this has actually happened. They now have a voice.”
The choir was formed for BBC2 TV show The Choir, which ended with a performance at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall in November.
The group of wives, based at RAF Chivenor in Devon, were formed by chorister Gareth Malone.
Paul is a former pupil at Golfyn Junior School and Connah’s Quay High School and played in Deeside and Northop brass bands.
He said: “We’re not sure yet if it will be number one on Sunday but we’re still doing well. Fingers crossed for the first number one of 2012.
“Without a shadow of a doubt, this has been the most amazing year of my life.”
And how will Paul be spending next year? “I can’t say too much yet, but lots of exciting things, maybe a film score or two.”