I AM sick of hearing about Amy Winehouse and her personal problems and alleged drug abuse.

This is no example to set to young fans and musicians who want to be like her.

On a cold and rainy January night, I called into The Last Drop Inn pub in York and heard a true star perform. York's very own Suzy Martell, above, is a true entertainer with an amazing strong voice, reminiscent of a young Etta James.

This girl is the real deal, a true star who battles ill health and surgery and I understand that Suzy does a lot of work for local charities. She is also apparently helping a younger generation of up-and- coming singers along the way. On leaving The Last Drop Inn, it occurred to me after another amazing gig by Suzy and friends, that life sometimes isn't fair when the likes of Ms Winehouse are handed opportunities on a plate and find stardom so hard to deal with, while fabulous entertainers such as Suzy struggle to get a break.

However, I know that Miss Martell is popular in the USA and I hope that she gets the international stardom she deserves very soon. Good luck, Suzy. Amy who?

M Craven, Salisbury Road, Leeman Road, York.