A WEDDING singer and musician has won an award in the Yorkshire and North East regional finals of the Wedding Industry Awards.

Steven Heath, of Thackley, Bradford, scooped the Best Solo or Duo Musical Entertainment category at the event at The Mansion in Roundhay, Leeds.

Mr Heath, 36, who attended the ceremony with his wife, Laura, joined a host of wedding industry professionals all competing to be recognised as the best in their category and he was thrilled to have come away with the crown.

He received his award from the founder of the Wedding Industry Awards, Damian Bailey.

Speaking of the ceremony Mr Heath said: “I’m utterly delighted to win this award. To be recognised as an outstanding wedding supplier by my couples and my peers is very humbling. I can’t thank them enough.”

Mr Heath, who is originally from Middlesbrough, provides live music at non-traditional weddings. He focuses on an indie, folk rock and pop style imitating popular artists such as Ed Sheeran, Oasis and Simon and Garfunkel.

He moved to Yorkshire in 2000 to study performing arts at York St John before moving to Thackley in 2005.

"I spent 12 years teaching drama in Bradford Christian School until I left to pursue music full time, specifically in the wedding industry, six years ago.

"I got into the wedding industry after singing at a friend's daughter's wedding. I loved the buzz not just of performing but of being able to bring happiness to the bride and groom.

"That happiness is what spurred me to work further in the industry where my mission is to treat every single bride as though theirs is the only wedding I have ever been to and ever will."

The national finals take place at the Cafe de Paris in Mayfair, London, in January next year.