FROM living in a caravan in Cornwall to regularly entertaining the masses at Worcestershire venues with songs about life and love, Rachel Clutterbuck has had a colourful start to her life.

The Bromsgrove-born singer is a rising star in Worcester's musical scene with her mix of folk blues and jazz tunes harking back to influences that include Joni Mitchell and Chris Rea.

A regular on the city's music scene, Rachel - who goes under the stage name Rachel By The Stream - can be seen playing the Cellar Bar in Foregate Street.

The Worcester's Arboretum resident also recently graced the stage at the Marr's Bar in Pierpoint Street as one of a host of acts taking on the songs of Bob Dylan in a special night in homage to the great musician - another of her influences.

The 26-year-old, who took the path less trodden after her studies and went to Cornwall where she lived in a caravan and learnt to surf, has been song-writing for about 10 years.

Now living in the city, for the past year she has been taking her music out to the people and fitted in playing gigs around the area as she trained to be a teacher at the University of Worcester.

Last year she recorded a nine-track CD in a St John's studio and has since been peddling it at her performances.

Now the gifted guitarist, who is also a dab hand at a wealth of other instruments, including piano, violin and viola, is getting ready to play The Green Man in Worcester's Tything on Sunday as part of its new weekly acoustic music nights.

She said: "I'm quite excited about it and I'm hoping my songs will go down well on the night.

"I'm desperately trying to get fame at the moment but not sure how to go about it. I'd love to be in a position where I could make a living from music."

The Green Man's music evenings were set up at the end of last month by city guitarist Andy Hiseman.

Mr Hiseman said: "I want to encourage young singer songwriters in to play there and generally give them a showcase because a lot of them don't get a chance to show off their talents."

Sunday's gig is due to start at about 8.30pm and entry is free. Worcester-based singer-songwriter Jamie Knight is due to play on Sunday, February 19.

JOBY MULLENS