A SINGING postman from Kidderminster with stars in his eyes is hoping his newly released CD will find its way into stockings and sacks across Wyre Forest this Christmas.

Swing and Smooch is former Stars in Their Eyes contestant, Darren Richards's third album, and features a host of pop ballads and big band numbers.

One of the tracks, Something Stupid, is a duet with his wife, Sarah, recently resurrected in chart-topping style by Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman.

It is only right Sarah features on the album, according to Darren, of Holmwood Avenue, who met his wife of eight years through their mutual love of music.

That was after a friend asked them both to perform in the play, Magician, at Harry Cheshire High School.

Father-of-two, Darren, who has been an active member of the Carpet Trades Operatic Society and Kidderminster Operatic Society for more than 10 years, also comes from a musical family, with his brother, Julian Richards, having featured in the Shuttle/Times and News after taking the lead in various district productions.

Darren, who appeared on the television show, Stars In Their Eyes, five years ago as Joshua Kadison, said he had recorded his latest album at Studio 456 on Birmingham Road, "for fun more than anything else".

He explained: "I love going to the studio but there's no point in going if you haven't got any intention to produce a CD. Music is my hobby because my main job is a postman but I do get paid for singing at functions.

"I love music and the theatre so I split my time about 50-50 between pop music and theatre."

He added: "After I was on Stars In Their Eyes, I recorded an album and sold all 250 copies I had produced and I thought it was about time to do another.

"My second came out quite soon afterwards and I think this is the best of the three.

"The idea is that people I work with at the Royal Mail and the operatic societies will buy it to play over Christmas.

"It's nice background music but it's also quite exciting because I'm someone who made it locally that they can buy it from direct."

Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of Swing and Smooch can contact Darren on 01562 822274.