A Malvern singer-songwriter is starting 2002 riding high in the country music charts.

In A Whisper by Clive John, who lives in Malvern Wells, has been nominated for song of the year and best single of 2001 in the EMS Country Chart.

"To be nominated for an award when seven months ago they didn't even know who I was is pretty good," said Clive.

"It's extremely difficult to get into the top 10 and I've now had four consecutive top 10s."

The award ceremony is on February 3, around the same time as the 26-year-old's third album is due for release.

Tentatively titled Halfway from Nowhere, the album features a more refined mood compared to previous releases.

"It's got a different sound to it," said Clive. "I've got a new producer, John Hartley. Everybody who I've played the demos to has liked it.

"My song-writing has matured. It's going towards country pop as opposed to country - I'd describe myself as a country version of David Gray."

Clive has been busy touring after the last year with festival appearances in front of several thousand people in Skipton and Buxton.

He continues the demanding schedule into January with a New Year's Eve gig at The Swan, Hanley Swan, and concerts at the Express Inn, Malv-ern Link (January 19), Green Dragon (January 26) and The Nelson, Suckley (January 30).

Tickets for the New Year's Eve gig are available from the Swan on 01684 310369.