CHARITY work has never sounded better for a Kidderminster teacher celebrating the release of her first CD.

Lindsay Ridley, who teaches English, religious education and special needs at Holy Trinity School, recorded a collection of "songs for the soul" called Cynefin at Studio 456 in Kidderminster.

And all the proceeds from the album's sales will be donated to Cancer Research, the Smiles Foundation, Amnesty International and Tear Fund.

The Welsh teacher added the title song Cynefin - which means "a place you identify with in the depths of your soul" - was inspired by Welsh poet TH Parry-Williams' poem about the rugged landscape of Snowdonia.

"It's only a short poem but I used it as a title because it's about something or someone you can identify with and it was a poem I studied for my A-levels at school in Cardiff and loved."

She added she chose to support Cancer Research because her mother Marjorie died of breast cancer at 45.

"The songs are about faith, social justice and human rights - things I identify with.

"I recorded some songs in 1999 with a friend but I've had a gap since then and friends said to me 'why don't you record some more songs and put them on an album' - so I did."

She added her album's artwork was provided by her art teacher colleague Margaret Bishop, while freelance musician David Howles, who looks after the school's orchestra, took care of all its musical arrangements and studio production.

Year seven pupils from the school also provided the backing vocals for the Christmas lullaby Still So Simple.

The CD can be bought at Fagin's and Trinity Church bookshops in Kidderminster and the Garden of Eden Coffee Shop in Stourport.