Ings Got Talent

Just heard that the kids from East Hull Urban Arts are going into the studio to record their first song.

It's a cover of a modern country ballad Concrete Angel, a song made famous by Martine McBride. It's particularly moving as the song's about child abuse, told from the perspective of a daughter regularly beaten by her drunken mother.

In this age of manufactured pop and transient reality z listers, it's heartening to hear children with genuine talent getting a chance to reach a wider audience.

I defy anyone not to get moist-eyed listening to this clip I recorded last year - though I'm told they're a hundred times better now.

Can't wait to hear them.

High Noon

I'm really pleased to see that my good friend Tracy Noon has been chosen to stand for Labour in Hull's Ings ward in May.

I was honoured to have Tracy and her mum and dad help me in my campaign. She has made a massive difference to the lives of children on the Ings Estate by setting up East Hull Urban Arts - an after-school club where she teaches drama and music to 180 kids. Take a look below.



Our city and party desperately need more people like Tracy; passionate activists who are prepared to slog their guts out to improve the outcomes of those less fortunate than themselves.

This is a woman who campaigned so hard during one local election that her feet actually bled from the amount of canvassing she did. Now THAT'S committed.

So I'll definitely be back up to knock on doors for her in the next few weeks.

Good luck Tracy - you'll make an excellent councillor.