AN ALCESTER singer-songwriter has made it to the finals of an international song competition inspired by John Lennon.

Jack Blackman's song 'Give A Little Kindness' has reached the final 50 of the International Song For Kindness competition.

The worldwide competition was launched in memory of John Lennon in what would have been his 80th year and also celebrates over 50 years since the launch of ‘Imagine’. The aim is to find a new song that inspires a message of hope, unity and kindness.

1569 songs were submitted from 18 countries, with Jack's tune making the top 50 of entries.

Jack recorded the song at his home during lockdown, and he played all the instruments on the track.

He said: "My dad saw the the competition and said I should try to write something. I had been writing and recording a lot during lockdown and the message of kindness really spoke to me.

"There's definitely a nod to John Lennon in there, we had to write a response to 'Imagine'. Listeners will be able to tell the references to The Beatles."

Jack has been performing since he was 14, and plays blues, folk and roots music and his music has been described as 'exceptional' by BBC Radio 2's Bob Harris.

The 27-year-old performs solo and with his band the Beautiful Wreck, alongside his brother Ewan.

He added: "I usually have a bluesy, Americana sound but with the band I like to rock out."

The top 50 songs will be judged by multi-award winning songwriters Shelly Poole, Paul Statham and Duncan Lewis who have worked with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson and Massive Attack.

The top ten acts will be announced in September, with the performers taking to the stage at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool.