A SINGER songwriter from Haslington is determined to bring some Christmas cheer to everyone this year after being crowned Songwriter of the Year.

Rob Wheeler picked up the accolade in the ARC Radio Listener awards 2021 and is set to launch his third album, MidWinter Songs, later this month.

He was nominated for six awards in the radio competition but says he ended up with one he really wanted and was absolutely thrilled to be presented with it at a special awards ceremony in Birmingham.

"To win that award was a great honour and means so much," said Rob, who has built his own recording studio in the garden of his home.

Rob comes from a generation of musicians and says he's excited about launching his third album, especially as the artwork for the stunning cover was painted by his mum, Julie, an artist from Alsager.

"Christmas is important for me and I genuinely love it because my mum made it such a special time of year for me as a youngster, he said.

"The material sums up my sheer love for Christmas and this incredible time of year. I gave my mum free rein for the cover and she came up with this amazing design.

"The original artwork is hanging in my studio and looks amazing. I am so proud of her and it's brilliant that we've been able to work together on this album."

Rob, who is launching his new album at HMV in Hanley on November 13, believes he gets some of his musical talent from his grandfather, George Ogden, who was a singer and comedian.

"I grew up around music and love it. I write all my own songs and am so proud of my work. I can't speak too soon, but the signs are all pointing in the right direction," he added.