A NEWPORT church has decided to film its very own Pharrell-style music video to portray the city as a truly happy place.

Robbie Howells, a senior pastor at Newport City Church, says he is fed up with the city’s negative portrayal and wants to show Newport and its citizens in a good light by following in the footsteps of the ‘Happy’ music video by Pharrell Williams.

Mr Howells, who is the co-founder and senior pastor of the church alongside his wife Donna, said: “The city has got a lot of negative press lately.

“At the moment I’m teaching about the Biblical perspective of what it means to be happy.

“But I just wanted to do something different to put a smile on people’s faces.

“The aim is to get people to Newport’s biggest landmarks and get them dancing along to Pharrell Williams’ Happy song.”

Pharrell is regarded among many as one of the world’s most successful music artists and producers.

He has had a string of recent number one hits, including ‘Get Lucky’ alongside Daft Punk, and ‘Blurred Lines’ featuring Robin Thicke both reaching number one.

The American star also won a string of awards for his latest number one ‘Happy’, which has sold more than 1.3 million copies in the UK.

The music video has attracted thousands of parodies and re-makes, including one which is advertised as the first ever 24-hour long music video.

The original video shows an upbeat Pharrell walking around several locations, including a church, dancing and clapping along to the music.

And now, Mr Howells wants the people of Newport to come forward to show how much their city has to offer.

The father-of-four added: “We’re hoping to start filming next week.

“I’m encouraging as many people in Newport as possible to get together and join in the video, and hopefully show what’s good about Newport.”

l In June 2010, Newport was thrust into the media limelight for a parody music video of number one hit single ‘Empire State of Mind’ by Jay Z and Alicia Keys.

Newport (Ymerodraeth - State of Mind) has thousands of hits on YouTube and made national news for its innovative and light-hearted re-make.

The video, which featured actors Alex Warren and Terema Wainwright, was performed to new lyrics with a Newport theme.

The video was filmed in locations around the city including the bus station, Rodney Parade, and The Wave sculpture.

l To get involved in the ‘Happy’ music video contact Newport City Church on 01633 250001 or 07760 778073.