Swiss bank on age and piety

Switzerland is putting its faith in the Salvation Army, featuring a 94-year-old guitarist, to win the Eurovision Song Contest when it is staged in Malmo, Sweden, next year.

Swiss television viewers chose the Christian missionary group’s rock tune from among five national finalists on Saturday night.

Political songs are forbidden at Eurovision and Swiss media have speculated that the Salvation Army’s Christian aims might still fall foul of the rules.

Switzerland hasn’t won the contest since Canadian singer Celine Dion represented the country in 1988.