Retailer John Lewis has been asked to donate money to charity after a musical duo claimed the song used in their Christmas advert breaches copyright. 

The Portraits, a husband and wife folk alt-due have said that the brand's use of Together In Electric Dreams in this year's John Lewis Christmas advert, resembles the arrangement they released for charity last year. 

John Lewis has responded to the claims, saying there is "no substance" to the claims made, and pointing out that it is a very famous song that has been covered many times. 

Further adding that chain supports "numerous" charities. 

News Shopper: The Portraits. (PA) The Portraits. (PA)

The Portraits formed of Lorraine and Jeremy Millington, released a slow-down piano version of the popular song last year to honour those who lost loved ones to the pandemic. 

With the money raised for the group's single going the Mind and Cruse Bereavement Support. 

The version of the song featured in this year's John Lewis Christmas is performed by 20-year-old London singer and songwriter Lola Young. 

Ms Millington said she would like John Lewish to "do the honourable thing" and donate to Cruse Bereavement Care and Mind "in the spirit of Christmas". 

The alt-folk group also said that they contacted the head of marketing at John Lewis in March 2021 to offer their version of the song. 

However, the brand responded by saying the person they contacted at the company "left at the start of the summer and had no involvement in this year's Christmas ad."

John Lewis further said that it supports a number of charities with its Give A Little Love activist that began last Christmas and has made over £8 million so far.