Golden chance for songwriter

A TALENT for songwriting has proved to be a golden opportunity for one Ipswich man.

Songwriter and music producer Ricky Hanley is today the proud owner of a gold disc in recognition of his work that has helped pop star Andy Abraham find fame.

Mr Hanley, Kesgrave, is the writer behind If You Ever Go Away, one of the songs on X-Factor star Andy's first album.

That album, called The Impossible Dream, has reached more than 100,000 sales and has earned a music industry gold disc.

When Andy performed at the Regent Theatre on Monday, he met with Mr Hanley, 44, and presented him with his own copy of the disc.

Mr Hanley said: “I was asked to write some songs for the X-Factor last year and wrote one for Andy, and it was used on his album and since then I've been writing with him for the next album.

“We've become friends and are going to write some more together.”

A former dustman, Andy Abraham found fame through the television talent search show X-Factor last year, and while he didn't win the series has continued with his music and is about to release a second album.

Mr Hanley said: “It's rewarding to have been a part of it.

“A lot of the time you work with acts and you don't see the rewards. Records don't sell as many today as they used to and so for something to do as well as his album is a real achievement.”

Mr Hanley was there to see him perform on Monday and the pair met up before the show.

He said: “I watched the show and it was great.

“A year and a half ago he was a bin man and to see him up there singing and to know he's realised his dream is a fantastic story and he's a super guy.”

Mr Hanley is no stranger to the music industry and has previously worked with stars including S Club, Peter Andre, Mike and the Mechanics, Take That, Cheryl Tweedy, Mario and Liberty X.

He said: “I've worked with lots of people in the industry but it's very refreshing to be with him because he's really worked for it. I think because he's been in the real world for so long he knows that it wouldn't be the end of the world if it all ended tomorrow.”

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I can see it in your pretty eyes

Get the feeling there is something you ain't telling me

Seems you're never over lately

Can't remember when I held you're body close to me

My eyes begin to see so clearly

I can't loose I don't want to

(Chorus)

Oh, if you ever go away, in my heart you'll always stay

I love you, I love you

Oh if you ever say goodbye, I won't let you see me cry

Oh, I'll never go a day without your love

Can't believe the lies they're telling

Never gonna let them take your love away from me

Maybe I've taken you for granted

Give me one more chance to show you how our love should be

My eyes begin to see so clearly

I can't loose you, I don't want to

(Chorus)

You're part of everything I do

You know I gotta be with you forever and ever

(Chorus)