JIM Carter’s distinctive tones open this double album of poetry and music to mark the centenary of the First World War. His rendition of Wilfred Owen’s Anthem For Doomed Youth The Downton Abbey star is followed by Imelda Staunton’s reading of May Wedderburn Cannan’s Lamplight.

With fresh interpretations of classic songs performed by Show of Hands as a backdrop, you are taken back to the days of the Great War. The second disc brings Show of Hands to the fore as they perform songs from the period, such as It’s A Long Way To Tipperary, and several new compositions.

Both saddening and inspiring in equal measure, it is a truly great piece of work and should be heard by a greater audience.

Matt Westcott