A SONGWRITER who turned to music while caring for his sick wife reached the final of a national competition.

Now Nick Pamplett, who only picked up the guitar two years ago, plans to go one better and win next year's contest.

The 48-year-old claimed he would be happy to trade his successful health career for a shot at the big time.

Nick, of West View, Clitheroe, only got the chance to start writing his own songs after his wife, Ann, 48, fell ill with viral arthritis in 2003.

Ann, deputy head at Tor View School, Haslingden, was instrumental in her husband's success because she bought him his first guitar.

Since picking up the guitar, the former drama student has written and recorded 20 tracks. With nothing to lose, he sent some to the 2005 UK Songwriting Contest.

One song, Insecure Woman, co-written by Mark Thompson, 35, of Clayton-le-Moors, beat hundreds of others to reach the final in the folk-country category.

Nick, a self-employed psychotherapist, said: "It sounds odd but Ann being ill gave me a strange kind of benefit. She bought a guitar for my 46th birthday but fell ill with viral arthritis soon after.

"It came on virtually overnight and was touch-and-go for a while. I couldn't work because I was looking after her but the time at home gave me the opportunity to think about writing some songs.

"She now feels completely vindicated. She thinks it has released me a bit and given me room for creativity.

"Thankfully, she's now made almost a complete recovery after being very ill for a year."

Ann said: "I feel something good has come of my illness.

"Most would have become depressed being stuck in the home looking after someone but Nick became inspired.

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Ann is taking many types of medication to manage the condition and is due back at work later this month.

The UK Songwriting Contest is supported by the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and the World Music Foundation. Winners often win publishing contracts with major labels.

Only the top two in each category were invited to the grand final, held last month.

Nick said: "To be a finalist on my first attempt is great. The hope is next year I can go a bit further and maybe win."