Users of the Oxford Night Shelter are raising money for charity with an album of songs dedicated to a friend who died earlier this year.

Sounds Unseen is the debut effort from users of the shelter, at O'Hanlon House, in Luther Street.

The 18-track CD was originally written and recorded using a mobile recording studio to to raise money for charity at this year's Cowley Road Carnival, in July.

But shortly before the carnival, one of the contributors, 46-year-old John Fitzgerald, was found dead in Castle Street.

The team behind the album decided to dedicate the CD in his memory and donate the money raised to Alcohol Concern.

Iain McDiarmid, training and education officer at O'Hanlon House, said the visits by the recording studio — which is taken to the centre once a week — had uncovered real talent among the shelter's users.

He said: "They have probably got enough material for another few albums.

"We sold about £150 worth of CDs at the carnival, which we gave to charity, and we also have some left to sell at future fundraising events."

Most of the original contributors to the CD, which was released in July, have now moved on from the shelter, but the music programme is still popular with other members.

Ivan Jewel, one of the contributors, was a professional musician for 10 years before he had a nervous breakdown and became homeless.

Mr Jewel has moved on now, but comes back to the shelter once a week as an assistant tutor. He said: "Art is an amazing conduit for people to express experiences.

"And because the opportunity is non talent-based, everyone is on a level playing field.

"It’s a very good chance for people to express things and gives them a sense of pride in the finished product.

"The services saved my life, so now the least I can do is help out and show people how important projects like this are."

Kane Lewis wrote the song Roots Reggae Music For You.

He said: "I like all sorts of music, anything and everything really. A bit of drumming, bit of keyboards.

"Both of my parents were musicians, so it's in my blood. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to do this here. I think it’s really important people are able to have a creative outlet in these situations."

Alex Ivanovich, runs the Make Traks programme at the centre along with workshops at youth clubs and schools for children with special needs.

He said he would not rule out a gig by the musicians, adding: "We have had the idea and wouldn’t say no if anyone had a venue to offer us."

To hear songs from the Sounds Unseen CD, log on at myspace.com/nightshelter