WILL Hunt has spent the best part of the Noughties soaking up creativity in Kentish Town.

The former Worcester Sixth Form student, who fronts the gentle yet infectious band Soapbox Story, may have music in his blood but cites the capital city as a major influence.

Since moving to London five years ago Hunt, who grew up in Bromsgrove and has family living in Worcester, recorded and released his first single.

The ska-infused record, Lost And Found, includes the lyric, I was the boy who thought the streets were paved with gold'. And, in a way, they were.

"The song is about moving to London," said Hunt. "About finding myself musically and being surrounded by creative types. Which I am.

"It's been great for me."

The singer songwriter's father, Bill Hunt, was the original keyboard player and French horn player with ELO and Wizzard, while his cousin, Miles Hunt, was lead singer with the Wonderstuff.

"I've grown up with music," he said. "With my dad and cousin both being professional musicans, it's always been in my family. When I was young I liked sport but when my friends started getting bigger and faster than me, I guess I re-addressed that.

Hunt is now a performer in London, gigging three or four times a week.

"At the moment I'm writing for an album," he said. "And I've been offered some publishing and contract deals."

Hunt returns to his home county on Sunday, April 20 - his first local show for half a decade. "There are a lot of old college friends I'm looking forward to seeing. It's been ages since I've been back."

He'll be supporting Canadian David Celia, the singer-songwriter with a musical style described as roots-rock with hints of folk wrapped up in a pop package.

Tickets are £5 on the door and £4 in advance from Music City, the Tything. To hear tracks visit www. myspace. com/soapboxstory and www.myspace.com/ davidcelia.