Debut single to break New Year record

Singer Lauren Harris' debut single was being released digitally at one second into the New Year across the different time zones of the world, in what organisers say is a first.

Harris, the daughter of Iron Maiden founder member Steve Harris, is set to "rock around the clock" with the release of her song Your Turn.

The single was being released digitally in places including Auckland, New Caledonia, Sydney, Tokyo, Singapore, Jakarta, Dhaka, Karachi, Baku, Moscow, Paris, London, Santiago, Indiana, Mexico City, Arizona, California, Alaska, Hawaii and Samoa.

Organisers believe it is the first time such a venture has been organised on this scale and a first for worldwide distributor The Orchard which was co-ordinating all the digital downloads.

Joe Arditti, chief marketing consultant, said of the release: "What better way to bring in 2009, than with a new star born at midnight!"

Harris, who is being billed as Britain's answer to Pink, has been confirmed to support Iron Maiden on their 2009 world tour.

Harris's new album is entitled Calm before the Storm.