A GRAPHIC designer has achieved unexpected success in the music industry, after putting his passion for songwriting on hold for more than 30 years.

Russell Jeanes, of East Morton, used to write songs frequently in his teens, but gave up his passion to pursue his career in design.

But, following the birth of his second child a few years ago, Mr Jeanes became a stay-at-home father, working from home, which allowed him more time to return to songwriting after a three decade-long break.

Using online platforms Soundcloud, BBC Introducing, and Fresh on the Net, Mr Jeanes has seen his tracks gain popularity around the world, including airtime on the radio and a record deal.

Mr Jeanes said his musical success has come as a surprise.

He said: “I’m quite a shy person so it has been a surprise how well the songs have done.

“I’ve always had a passion for writing and getting the response I have was a big shock, people have been getting in touch from Europe and the US saying how much they love my songs.”

When he put his first tracks on Soundcloud, Parisian singer Catherine Hershey contacted him wanting to sing on his tracks including ‘Simply Jayne’ and ‘Trees Hug Bees’.

Mr Jeanes’s songs have been played on BBC Radio 6 by DJs Tom Robinson and Cerys Matthews, as well as on stations in the USA, Canada and Germany.

Tom Robinson said: “The taste of honey is almost tangible on Trees Hug Bees. Pure pastoral nectar from the heart of northern England. Accept no substitute.”

Mr Jeanes said: “The feedback I’ve received is fantastic, it’s really exciting as a 50-year-old grey-haired northerner,” he said.