MENTION the name of folk singer Ralph McTell and thoughts immediately turn to his smash-hit record, Streets of London.

But the singer who became a household name when the song shot up the music charts describes the single's phenomenal success as the "one blip" in his career.

Ralph, who is due to perform at The Met in Bury on Thursday, explained: "I did not like the phoney world and deception the chart success brought with it."

The song was a haunting melody which outlined the deprivation and sadness to be found on the capital's streets. But it was already popular with audiences before the song was ever released.

Ralph said: "The Streets of London was an underground hit before it became commercially popular.

"I sold out the Albert Hall before it became a hit. The song was then going to be released in its original form -- a recording from 1969 -- so we decided to re-record it.It came as no surprise how well it did.

"But it was quite laughable how I was thrown into this world that was the antithesis of everything I believed in. People were not looking at the song's qualities, they were just interested in a quick follow-up.

"That was not what I wrote the song for. I was writing about people in a dire situation. It was part of the social conscience thing in the 1960s. I guess it touched a nerve at the time.

"It is a wonderful song which I feel still holds true. It is still a part of what I do and I continue to play it every night."

Fans can rest assured, then, that it will feature in Ralph's set in Bury.

He said: "This tour is a mix of old and new stuff. I have a very loyal audience who listen to the old and do not mind giving time to the new songs, but there are so many old songs to do that it only leaves a little time for the new ones."

Ralph's new record, National Treasure, has just been released. It was recorded in the kitchen at Ralph's home in Cornwall and pays tribute to the musicians who have influenced his work.

However, the album's name still makes Ralph feel uncomfortable. He said: "I recorded the CD in my kitchen with a Robert Johnson song, Come On In My Kitchen in mind. That was what I was going to call the album, until Billy Connolly an old friend of mine, very kindly called me a National Treasure.

"My agent picked up on it, especially as my guitar is called that, and said that should be the name of the CD. I felt very odd about it but have managed to get around those feelings by justifying it in that the name represents the treasure of songs from great singers that I feature. It is the album I should have done first. When I learned to play I only wanted to play the acoustic guitar so I would listen to the players of the 1920s and 30s.

"They touched me very deeply. Add to them people like Woody Guthrie and that is where my musical roots lie.

When he was younger, the thought of making a living out of music was just a dream to Ralph. "I was wrapped up with the romance of it all, the thought of travelling and being footloose and fancy free.

"I have been in a fortunate position through music and the romance is still there. I still love playing and touring. The only time that changed, and there was a blip on the graph, was when I had a hit." However, a highlight in Ralph's career came this year at the BBC Folk Awards, when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

He said: "It came completely out of the blue. I was sitting at the table with my wife when I suddenly heard Willie Russell talking about my songs. I wondered what was going on.

"When my name was called I stumbled up there and nearly did a Gwyneth Paltrow. My brain was a bit slurred so I just mumbled something and left.

"The award is now on the mantelpiece at home. It means so much more to be recognised by people who strive to do the same thing you are doing. If you relied on Joe Punter you know what would happen -- the Spice Girls would win everything. No offence, they are good girls who are doing quite well."

Ralph has also just finished the second part of his autobiography -- which ends at the age of 21.

"It is in two volumes which focus on growing up. I was 21 when I met my wife in Paris, so everything after that is 'our life' and I do not plan to do any more -- it's not appropriate."

Although Bolton does not feature in his current tour, Ralph remembers the town fondly.

"I have played in Bolton a few times and remember the incredible ceiling in the Albert Halls.

"I first came to Bolton in the 60s and have been back several times since. It is full of life. Last time I was there I could not believe just how vibrant the place was."

Ralph appears at The Met arts centre on Thursday at 8pm. Tickets are available on 0161 761 2216.