Controversial singer George Michael will be doing his bit for charity this year with his cover version of the New Order hit “True Faith” having all profits donated to charity.

This will be the first single release for the star since he was released from prison in October last year after serving half of his eight week sentence following his conviction for drug driving.

The single is due for download release on March 13 with the CD version hitting the shops the following day on March 14.

The original artists of “True Faith”, New Order have also said that they will be donating any of their proceeds from the song, which was originally released in 1987 and then again in a remixed version in 1994, to the Comic Relief fund.

Peter Hook, the former bassist with New Order said: “It's a very, very george Michael interpretation of the song and it is beautiful for that.”

He added: “It is very flattering. George doing True Faith is such a great compliment. It blew me away when I heard it. Not exactly to my taste, but it did blow me away, I think it is a fantastic version and I'm delighted that it's for such a good cause.”

Founder of Comic Relief, Richard Curtis, said: “It's always so moving when people stick with us year after year – and we're thrilled and delighted about the song and the wonderful video that goes with it.”

He added: “We promise we will use every penny we make from it to save and change lives in Africa and all over the UK.”

George Michael has previously donated proceeds from his duet with Mary J Blige, “As” to the campaign back in 1999 and also appeared in a sketch for the Comic Relief show with Matt Lucas and David Walliams in 2005.

The Comic Relief telethon will be aired on the BBC on March 18 and is sure to once again include some star performances and unlikely collaborations all in the name of charity.