A singing doctor, described as a Bengali Frank Sinatra, has cut a CD and is helping to raise cash for a Leyland clinic.

Consultant paediatrician, Dr Pijush Das, 49, is the vocalist of the new release which features a string of modern Bengali songs.

Money raised from sales will go toward new equipment at Broadoaks Child Development Centre, Balcarres Road, Leyland, where Dr Das treats children suffering neurological development problems.

A lot of people from my Bengali community wanted the CD so I thought I would do one, said Dr Das, who also works at the Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley Hospital.

Since he was a boy, growing up in Calcutta, Indian music has played a huge part in the doctors life.

At school Dr Das, who now lives in Euxton, near Leyland, started singing and learned to play the tabla drums and harmonium, a hand-pumped organ.

Although he always wanted a career in medicine, his passion for music never waived, and he later studied music with Nobel Literature Laureate prize winner, Rabindranath Tagore, writer of the Indian national anthem, gaining a degree in classical music.

I always wanted to be a doctor but music is my next big joy, said the married father-of-two. I started singing at a young age and have always loved music. I play a number of musical instruments including the harmonium which I taught myself to play.

But Ive been lucky to work with some very good Indian musicians.

Over the years Dr Das has performed to Bengali communities across the region and even performed at a family wedding in Canada three months ago.

Some of my listeners have described me as a Bengali Frank Sinatra.

I perform modern Bengali songs and these are very popular as people like the melody, even if they dont understand the words.

People interested in buying a copy of the CD should call 01772 435963.