A DARLINGTON singer’s music will be heard in cafes around the world.

Hayley McKay’s original country songs are to be played in hundreds of Caffè Nero coffee houses this month including those as far away as Istanbul and Dubai.

Hayley, 24, who has been writing songs since was in her early teens, said: “It’s just great. I just want to get my music out there and it’s just really nice to know that they’re going to get played across the world. That’s ultimately what you would like, for people to hear your songs on a wider scale, not just locally but nationally and internationally.”

Hayley, from Hurworth, will also be making some appearances at some Caffè Neros and performing her music.

She has also been invited to perform at the London Folk Festival on June 2, where there will be a Caffè Nero stage.

The singer had her music chosen by Caffè Nero after sending examples of her work.

She said: “You can send your songs to Caffè Nero and they will pick. They get lots of applications through and you get a few people including the owner, the founder of Caffè Nero to listen, and then they shortlist people.

“I’m really happy and chuffed about it all, because I know that a lot of people will apply to get their songs heard and when it’s around the world, not just locally, it’s fantastic. It’s nice to have that support and have an opportunity out of it, so I will get to perform at some festivals as well.”

As well as touring, Hayley is looking forward to the opening of the musicians’ club at the Forum Music Centre in Darlington, which will meet every Wednesday, and gives musicians and writers the opportunity to perform, write and learn from industry professionals.