LOSING his beloved grandmother to cancer inspired a Burnham man to write a charity single which could soon be given national airtime.

When Jamie Lee's grandmother died 14 years ago, he vowed to direct his musical talents towards easing the suffering of those with the disease.

On Wednesday, the 29-year-old, of Buckland Close, took a step closer to realising his ambition when he signed a contract with Cancer Research UK to release a charity single.

After raising £1,800, Jamie now needs to find just £300 more to hire a studio in Somerton where he can record the song, called I Need A Friend.

He said: "My main ambition is to raise money for charity - I'm not interested in fame or fortune.

"I wrote the song after my Nan passed away from cancer and it has a sentimental meaning for me.

"The next stage is to find a sponsor or investor so I can get into a studio. My aim is to have it released by the summer.

"I have contacted BBC Radio 1 who have agreed to give me some airplay during a morning or afternoon show."

One pound from the sale of every single will go to Cancer Research UK and the rest will be shared with the production company.

You can read more of Jamie's story in tomorrow's Burnham and Highbridge Weekly News.