A FOLK singer is promoting the release of his new EP with a video shot in Hall Lee Bank Park in Westhoughton.

Dean Lane has been playing across Bolton for the last decade with his latest song Alaska proving hugely popular on social media.

“I wrote it at the start of the year and during lockdown I had lots of time to think about a video for it,” he said.

“I usually write personal lyrics but this was more fictional as a way to challenge myself because for 10 years I’ve written about myself and my own experiences.”

According to Dean, 33, the title of the song is inspired a popular deodorant brand.

“It was a bit of throwaway line about a young lad covering himself in Lynx Alaska before meeting a girl but I kept building on it and writing around it and suddenly there was this story which became a part love song bases around the tradition of him walking to the game on a Saturday,” he said.

“For the video I even made the tickets myself and the first of the three games he goes to is the ‘Blues Vs United’. I didn’t want him to be related to any specific club because it doesn’t really matter which team he supports.”

Parts of the video were filmed at Dean’s house on Leigh Road in Westhoughton with the main action moving to the park as it follows actor Andrew Beard, a member of Bolton Little Theatre.

He said: “The park is behind my house and whenever I finish making music I go and walk the dog there which is where the whole idea came from. The reaction has been great so far and I’ve been really thankful for friends sharing it on Facebook.

“Creating this really got me through lockdown. I’m really proud of it and it really means a lot to me especially because a lot of people have told me they’ve been quite moved by it. Everything about it is Bolton - it’s a celebration of the town to be honest.”

Dean, who works for the children and families team with Urban Outreach, admits 2020 has been tough for him as a musician who loves to play live.

“I had a few gigs cancelled early on in March,” he added. “I think creative people have either really struggled or really thrived through this. Thankfully music is more of a hobby for me rather than my job.”