BOLTON shoppers have been taking a new busker to their hearts over the last couple of weeks.

But Nick Bold is no ordinary busker. In fact he recently gave up his job as a taxi driver to pursue a full-time career as a singer/songwriter.

Nick's musical career has started to blossom since he visited Nashville earlier this year where he made important contacts in the American music industry.

He returned and released his own CD, which he now sells at gigs and from Bolton's X Records shop in Higher Bridge Street.

Nick, of Old Clough Lane, Worsley, said: "I felt jacking in the taxiing was something I had to do. It was getting in the way of my music. "I love performing live -- whether it's busking in Bolton or at gigs -- that's what it's all about".

Nick's CD is reviewed by Alec Martin on the BEN website: www.thisbolton.co.uk