We’ve got a Song for Europe - now let’s have a Song for Sheppey.

STG has joined forces with Sheerness Town Team and Roadhouse Recording Studios to find a bona fide musical anthem for the Island.

The contest is open to solo artists or groups of all ages, styles and ability, with the winner earning the chance to have their composition heard by a potential audience of thousands.

We’re not looking for the next Ed Sheeran or One Direction here, just a catchy little number which hopefully embodies the Island spirit.

John Nurden, town team chairman, said: “The song should have two things: it should be something people can hum or sing and it must mention Sheppey.

“It would also be good if it had some kind of quirky humour which summed up where we live.

“We’re looking forward to hearing the ingenuity of Sheppey songwriters and those who may not have tried before.”

The deadline for performers to submit songs is Friday, May 1.

Don’t worry if the idea sounds a little rough and ready, as the winner will be invited to record their tune at the plush, Roadhouse Recording Studios in Sheerness.

With a professionally-polished version of the track under their belt, the victorious entrant has the chance to perform it at a “Summer Spectacular” festival planned for Sheerness town centre in August.

But that’s not all...

“We will distribute the song to local radio stations, holiday camps and pubs,” John said.

“And if it helps, we can sell it to raise money for causes such as Sheerness Christmas Lights.”

John, who is a musician himself with covers band The Rockin’ Decades, will be among judges keeping a close ear on entries.

He has previous form when it comes to writing songs about his beloved Sheppey.

In the late 1970s he recorded, Get Down Shep, with co-writer Alan Lawrie and former Blue Peter presenter, John Noakes.

Sheep Dip Disco, and The Jolly Roger Jog, which announced the Sheppey Pirates’ arrival on the Island fundraising scene, are among his other ditties.

“Song for Sheppey is a brilliant idea - we need an anthem we can all rally around,” he said.

Email songs, which should be no more than four minutes in length, to timesguardian@thekmgroup.co.uk or by post to 44 High Street, Sheerness, ME12 1NL. The winner will be announced on Friday, May 15.