A SINGER-SONGWRITER from Borehamwood is celebrating two life milestones as he enters the final year of his degree. Not only has he made the semi-finals of a nationwide songwriting contest, but his wife Sharon has just given birth to their first child.

Adam Ditchburn, 27, of Allerton Road, quipped: "I definitely found the birth the more nerve-wracking of the two events."

The talented student, who is entering the final year of his theology degree at Heythrop College, in Kensington added: "I probably spend more time songwriting than I do at university. I started writing songs when I was about eight or nine years old, but I wrote more in the way of pop music and party tunes back then.

"Alanis Morrisette was probably the person who encouraged me to pick up a guitar and make folky music rather than just using DJ equipment.

"I write about everyday stuff that I can understand, and get my inspiration from people like Bob Dylan and Dolly Parton".

Adam entered the UK Songwriting Contest in May with a song called My Life, and reached the semi-finals for the second year running on September 10.

Just ten days earlier, on August 31, his wife gave birth to their first baby girl, Flora, who weighed eight pounds and seven ounces.

Adam, who moved to Borehamwood from Hull, said: "It was pretty good to make it this far, and I was very pleased with industry feedback."

The contest is organised by the Brit Trust, the same people behind the Brit Awards, and attracts almost 7,000 entries every year.

Adam said: "With new inspiration from Flora, hopefully I will make it to the finals next year".

The ambitious musician also plans to enter the International Songwriting Contest later this year.

Listen to Adam’s song at www.myspace.com/adamditchburn.