LEADING folk singer Martha Tilston will bring the winter to an end with a national tour.

Martha, a member of the Tilston-Boyle folk dynasty which has roots in Keighley, plans to build on success of her last album The Sea.

BBC Folk Award-nominated Martha is the daughter of renowned singer-songwriter Steve Tilston, who lived for many years in Keighley, and stepdaughter of Keighley’s late folk queen Maggie Boyle.

Martha is also the sister of Joe Tilston and Molly Jones who grew up in Keighley and are both professional acoustic musicians.

Martha paid tribute to Maggie – who died from cancer last autumn – when she recently announced the winter tour.

Martha said: “I lost my dear sweet stepmother and friend. She has been such a great musical influence on me and shall be missed by so many.”

Martha’s album The Sea was described by critics as her finest album to date, brilliantly conceived, and a beguiling record of captivating beauty.

The Guardian newspaper said. Martha’s songs captured the harshness and enchantment of maritime life, with the salt of sea air “almost palpable”.

Martha said that soon before Christmas she and her musicians recorded a “secret project” in Cornwall that will be unveiled later this year.

Martha began her career in 2000 on the alternative festival scene, recording her first two albums as part of duo Mouse before turning solo in 2002.

Her album Of Milkmaids And Architects, released in 2006, led to a nomination for Best New Act in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

During her latest tour Martha will play her sister and father”s current hometown, Hebden Bridge, performing at the Trades Club on March 19. Visit thetradesclub.com to book tickets.

She can also be seen at the Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, on March 26. Visit brudenellsocialclub.co.uk to book tickets.