Chart toppers

Hull band Glenn Williams and the Ullbillies are, from left to right, Paul Hewson, Glenn Williams, Alan Raw and John Smith

An album recorded in Bransholme reached number one in the UK Roots Music Radio Airplay Charts, beating the likes of music legends Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris.
The tracks by Glenn Williams were recorded on a computer kept in a 'cubby hole' under the stairs at his home but now are being heard in 17 countries.
The album – called Something Old, Something New – is a collection of bluegrass and country-inspired songs and has earned rave reviews from listeners around the world.
Mr Williams, who has also released other albums with his band the Ullbillies, said: "We don't do this for the money but for the sheer enjoyment and satisfaction we get from recording and playing.
"It was a great feeling to get to number one in the UK Roots chart, and to beat the likes of Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler was amazing."
Mr Williams (51) is disabled and suffers from a condition called fibromyalgia, which causes chronic pain and fatigue.
However, he does not let the disability stop him, and says his music is more popular now than when he worked as a professional musician on television shows in Sweden.
His music also spent 16 weeks in the American True Country Chart last year and reached number 37 in the International Country Music Radio Airplay Charts.

All music by Glenn Williams and the Ullbillies is given away free.
To download albums visit www.lazyswede.co.uk

Search for a star

Auditions are taking place to find a Hull schoolboy to sing 'Walking in the Air' in the Christmas performance of "The Snowman" at Hull City Hall.
The performance, on December 12, is part of a family Christmas concert by the City of Hull Youth Orchestra and City of Hull Youth Choir.
And it needs a boy with an unbroken voice, known as a 'treble' to sing the song, made famous in the animated film The Snowman.
"It's the chance of a lifetime for a talented boy who can show commitment to rehearsals," said orchestra conductor Chris Maynard, who is in charge of the auditions.
They are being held on November 13 at the Albemarle Music Centre, opposite Debenhams on Ferensway.
The 1982 film tells the story of a snowman who comes to life and takes a young boy to the North Pole, where the pair attend a party and meet Father Christmas and his reindeer.
A version of the song subsequently reached number five in the UK pop charts and turned a young Welsh chorister by the name of Aled Jones into a celebrity as a result.
If you would like to audition, or for information about joining the Albemarle Music Centre's junior choir (for ages 8-11) or senior choir (ages 12 - 20), contact Chris on 300300 or visit www.kuhmusicservice.karoo.net

Tickets for The Snowman performance are available through the Hull City Hall Box Office on 226655.