A FOLK musician from Darwen hopes to capture the hearts of North Americans when he tours the USA and Canada next year.

Ben Walker, 39, of Cypress Street, also hopes his plans for 2007 will help him achieve a successful solo career.

Ben, a father of-two, has performed traditional Celtic music since 1995, when he learned to play the uillean pipes.

He started out performing on jazz piano in bars and pubs in the Manchester area, where he grew up, and now plays many instruments including piano, saxophone, flute, fiddle, whistles, guitar and percussion.

He has played recently at folk festivals in Saltburn, Fylde and Wimborne and last summer recorded a CD with Chris Knowles on harp, called Holly Bush.

Ben, married to Michelle, is preparing to record a new album next month.

He said: "The CD will be all new material and other people will feature.

"We've got a number of festivals this year and quite a lot happening towards the end of the year and into 2007.

"I hope to collaborate with a couple of musicians from the States and Brian Bedford in Yorkshire, who is well known in the acoustic music industry.

"I will be joining the Brian Bedford Band in 2007 for a four-week tour of Canada and six to eight-week tour of the United States "And hopefully I will get recognition over there."

Ben's CD is available on his website, www.benwalker.org.