Walsall's singing postie hopes to deliver

Nathan Farrell said the past 12 months had been "amazing" after he got to the latter stages of a string of competitions by wowing judges with his vocal talents.

The 27-year-old can barely complete his post rounds without somebody asking him for a rendition of their favourite tunes.

The father-of-two said: "When I'm out doing my rounds some people do recognise me and they say 'it's the singing postman'. Then they ask me to give them a tune."

Mr Farrell has been working as a postman for the past nine years but dreams of launching a singing career. His latest success has seen him win a place in the regional semi-finals of Britain Does Variety, being held in Kettering.

His version of the Elton John song I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues wowed judges and he bagged a place in the semi-finals, also being held in Kettering.

He is keeping his fingers crossed for success and hopes his next performance, at which he is planning to sing Frank Sinatra classic New York, New York, will also impress.

If successful, he will get through to the finals in Watford and be in with the chance of winning the top title after last year finishing in the finals. "This year I want to go one better and get one of the prizes," he said.

The former Willenhall Comprehensive School pupil, who is father to Casey, almost one, and two-year-old Connor, said he was still dreaming of the big time.

"I just really enjoy singing," he said.

"The successes I've had over the past 12 months and all the support I've had have given me so much experience and lots more confidence."

Mr Farrell is hoping to try out for the X Factor later this year.