THE UKIP candidate for Worcester has revealed how a drunken karaoke session led to him producing a CD of ballad covers enjoyed by people all over the world.

Jack Bennett said he was on holiday in Barbados a couple of years ago when, after a having “a bit too much to drink”, he got up on stage only for his singing voice to receive the approval of Bill Tarmey who plays Jack Duckworth in long-running TV soap Coronation Street.

Mr Bennett said he was then, unbeknown to him, entered into a singing competition at the Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury and won a chance to produce a CD at a recording studio.

“The CDs have gone all over the world to relatives, friends and people I have met,” said the 72-year-old of Ryall, near Upton-upon-Severn. “I think I’ll do another.”

Mr Bennett, who said the only other singing he had done was with the church choir in Hanley Castle, said he had covered songs by Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, Kenny Rogers and Tony Bennett among others.

Mr Bennett said local councillor Derek Prodger could not believe it was his voice when he listended to the CD in the car of a mutual friend, racehorse owner Jim Lewis of Callow End.

Anyone who would like a copy of Mr Bennett’s CD, which costs £6, should call 01684 592033.