ANDREA Begley, 2013 winner of The Voice UK, will travel from Ireland to perform at the Steve Cassidy Band's October 7 concert at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

Andrea, 32, who has been visually impaired from the age of six after experiencing problems with glaucoma, has not stopped working since beating Belfast singer Leah McCall to win the BBC1 talent show and she is an ambassador for the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) too.

She found her voice and love of music in the Begley family home in Pomeroy, Northern Ireland, during family gatherings and singalongs at Granny Begley's house.

Singer/songwriter Andrea, whose album The Message reached number seven in the British charts in 2013, has been invited to sing at the JoRo by a family member in York, via St George's School, where Steve teaches music.

Cassidy will sing songs from his recently recorded album Time And The Winding Road. "All the songs were arranged by George Hall, who will be playing with the band next Sunday, along with our new lead guitarist John Lewis," he says.

"We'll also feature songs by Mick Hull, our versatile bass player; Colin Berriman, founder member of my first band, The Escorts, will be on percussion, and Diane Beal, talented leader of Community Chorus, will play saxophone with the band."

Community Chorus will take part in the 7.30pm concert too. "They made a big impression on previous appearances at my concerts and will sing songs new to their repertoire, as well as accompanying me on two numbers. It's a thrill to sing with such a great choir."

St George's School Choir will complete the concert line-up, performing Steve's song Little Poppy Of Flanders, a perennial choice nearing Remembrance Sunday. "The children never fail to please with their enthusiasm and energy," he says.

Tickets cost £10, concessions £9, family ticket £15, on 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.

Charles Hutchinson