SINGER James Loynes has cut short a break to perform at a charity evening.

The 22-year-old, who is a favourite with audiences at Thwaites Empire Theatre, Blackburn, put his career on hold in October to set up a singing company to teach people to enjoy the art of making music.

He set up United Voice with his girlfriend Francesca Hindley, and announced other works would take a back seat.

But James agreed to sing at the fundraiser for Darwen branch of Macmillan Cancer Support next month.

James was "discovered" when he was 13 by Jim Bowen, who gushed: "This guy will blow your socks off!"

Unlike many wannabe singers, he has not been to stage school and did not start performing until his teens when he entered a church talent contest.

James describes his music as a blend of classic and contemporary, including everything from Frank Sinatra songs to Phil Collins.

He will perform at The Whitehall Hotel, Ross Street, Darwen on February 10. A three-course meal will be served before the entertainment.

Tickets at £22 are available from Brenda's Collectables, on Darwen's three-day market.