AN ASPIRING singer is using her musical talent to help her raise £1,000 for charity.

Cathy Atkin, of York, has been fundraising for the charity Ethiopiaid for the last couple of years, and has teamed up with her local GP to produce a CD to sell.

Mrs Atkin sang on the CD, called My Spirit Shall Sing, with music provided by local GP Rory Ellis-Hollins.

Dr Ellis-Hollins also edited the music, which was recorded at his house, in Acomb.

The musical duo attend Our Lady's Church, in Gale Lane, Acomb. They have already sold 150 copies of the CD through the church, making more than £800 for charity. They are hoping to sell another 50 to take their total over £1,000.

Mrs Atkin said she had first become involved with the charity after receiving a promotional letter through the post two years ago.

"I didn't have much to donate, except maybe the odd £10, and so I felt that fundraising was a better way to give money", she said.

This is the latest fundraising effort undertaken by the full-time mum. She previously raised £800 for the charity with events including a concert at the church.

The music on the CD is described by Mrs Atkin as "reflective, relaxing, church songs".

The CDs cost £2.50 each to produce and are sold for £7.99, with every penny of profit going to the charity. They are available to buy through Our Lady's Church.

The money will be used to provide medical care for Ethiopian women who have experienced problems during child birth - just one of the schemes Ethiopiaid support in the country.

Anyone wishing to purchase a CD should send a cheque made payable to Cathy Atkin to Our Lady's Church, Gale Lane, Acomb, York, YO24 3AE.

Extra donations to cover postage and packing would be gratefully received.