AN AMMANFORD singer-songwriter has announced the release of his latest single.

Padraig Lalor has teamed up with Fyfe Dangerfield, the lead singer of indie band the Guillemots, and rising star Sarah Passmore to release Light Up Your Hearts.

The song, which Padraig describes as an uplifting track, was co-written by both Padraig and Fyfe and features the angelic voice of Sarah.

Asked how the collaboration came about Belfast born Padraig explained: "I used to work with Greig Stewart from the Guillemots back in the 1990s before he joined the band. Greig and I got back in touch last year and he introduced me to Fyfe.

"He likes the old folky stuff so was happy to come on board and we set about writing together."

The lyrics to the song were written in Padraig's kitchen in his Ammanford home and recorded both in Ammanford and Oxford.

Once the single was written the pair decided they needed to find a female singer to feature on the track.

Padraig said: "We were looking for someone that could blend with my voice and Sarah Passmore was the perfect match.

"The song is charming and uplifting with a strong theme of reconciliation and positivity. It is essentially about Mother Ireland being led on the road to peace into the light after centuries of turmoil."

The single is the first release from the forthcoming album, Light Up, which is available to purchase from May 20.

Most people will recognise Padraig from the traditional Irish band Henry Marten's Ghost.

When asked if the band is on the back burner while he releases his solo album Padraig said: "Definitely not. Henry Marten's Ghost has gigs booked up until Next March and we continue to tour the UK and Ireland."

Light up Your Hearts is out now and available to download via iTunes and Amazon.

To find out more about Padriag visit padraiglalor.com

Henry Marten's Ghost play at the Red Kite, Pontamman this Friday, May 6.