HOLIDAYMAKERS often sing the praises of Blackpool after spending a week in the resort.

Now they will be able to do so to music with the release of a new song extolling the virtues of the town.

The song, called Blackpool Souvenir, has been written by civil servant and part-time song writer Mark Elkington as a memento for people wanting a permanent reminder of their holiday.

Thirty-eight-year old Mark said: "I play the guitar and have recently been writing a lot of songs. I soon realised hardly any songs had been written about Blackpool, even though thousands of people come here every year.

"So I decided to write a song about how good it is. The lyrics may sound a bit corny but I am fed up with people knocking the place.

"I basically wanted to be positive about the town and make something cheerful for people to remember what a good time they had here."

Not only did Mark write the song, but he also produced the compact disc on a computer at his home in Sherbourne Road, North Shore.

The disc features a vocal version of the song as well as an instrumental 'Karaoke' version for people to sing along to.

"I actually call myself Jonny Sutton on the record, after my grandad, because it sounds more traditional than Mark Elkington," he added.

As if writing and producing was not enough he is now even selling copies of Blackpool Souvenir himself on the seafront after obtaining a pedlars licence.

Mark said: "It costs £2 to buy, which is less than people pay for little plastic toys, so I am hoping they will sell well. A lot of hotels have already bought copies to play in the lobby.

"And it really should make a better souvenir than a postcard because people will be able to listen to it every time they want to remember what a great time they had on holiday."

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