York singer-songwriter Andy Doonan launches his debut album, Lights And Mirrors, at The Duchess in York on Saturday night.

Recorded with Pigeon Detectives producer Andy Hawkins, the songs will be aired again by Andy in a Leeds showcase at Seven Arts Centre in Chapel Allerton on June 18, and they also can be heard at andydoonan.co.uk and facebook.com/andydoonanmusic

These are exciting times for 22-year-old Andy, who beat off the competition from 21 other acts to take first place in the North West England area final of the Live and Unsigned competition at The Willows in Salford. He now goes forward to the national final on July 23 as part of Live Fest at London’s 02 Arena, where those competing in Live and Unsigned will share the day with bands such as NDubz, The Hoosiers, Funeral For A Friend, Guillemots and Kids in Glass Houses.

Last year, Andy graduated from York St John University with a first-class degree in physiotherapy and he is now a disability support worker.

He has performed songs since the age of 13, taking his first steps at St Mary’s School in Menston, the school that also groomed three members of Kaiser Chiefs and two members of the Dunwell Brothers Band.

Gradually he has developed his own take on acoustic pop, indie and folk, these days gigging extensively in York and Leeds with his backing band The Lightwalks.