A STREET performer says busking in the city centre saved his life after his marriage ended.

John Cooke, 69, has been performing in Worcester for four years now, and he says making other people smile is the thing that keeps him going when he feels low.

Mr Cooke said: “My relationship breakdown hit me hard.

"I left our home and soon became very depressed and lonely. I was drinking a bottle of wine every night.

“I sought help at Swanswell drug and alcohol service in Castle Street as I knew my drinking was out of control and my health was at risk.

"One day I was stood by the river, I was contemplating suicide.

“I started to rattle off some lyrics to describe what I was feeling. It saved my life.

"Down at the river that day was the turning point. Instead of jumping in, I turned around and bought a guitar. I have been performing ever since.”

Mr Cooke says bringing people and children joy as he sings to them in the street is, for him, the meaning of life.

He said: “When I am dressed up and singing silly songs and laughing and joking in the street, it is a relief.

"I like making people happy, in fact it is more than that, bringing other people joy is the thing that keeps me going.

"It helps keep the sadness and the loneliness at bay. Seeing people smile brings me immense happiness.

"Music is my life and my music gets me through. It is a gift with which I have been blessed.”