A MUSICIAN whose videos have gone viral online said she owes her success to Warrington’s ‘vibrant and talented’ music scene.

Acoustic Ash, otherwise known as Ash Harris, grew up in Padgate and her stunning cover version of James Arthur's Say You Won't Let Go has racked up more than 1,000 shares on Facebook.

But the former Birchwood High School student said she was not always confident performing.

“I uploaded the cover track as my friend Lindsay Smith, who I grew up with on Vulcan Close, kept telling me that I needed to share my music with people.

“I love performing but was always nervous about feedback of my physical self. Lindsay encouraged me, saying that it's about my music, not my appearance.

“So I took a leap of faith and I am overwhelmed with the response so far.”

Hundreds of people commented on the video, saying it had them in tears.

Ash studied at Warrington Collegiate and began performing regularly at the open mic night at the Turf and Feather pub in Birchwood.

She is still in touch with her college tutor, Sue Quinn, and the pub’s landlord and said: “I have some amazing musical and personal memories there.”

The 30-year-old went on to perform at the international music conference in Beijing in 2010, win Warrington’s Next Big Thing in 2013 and was recently invited to play at the Arts, Beats and Eats festival in Royal Oak, Michigan alongside headliners Joan Jett and Gavin DeGraw.

She moved to Utica, Michigan, in March to be with her partner Katie.

When the pair married they invited President Obama and his wife, Michelle, who could not make it on the special day but sent a signed card of congratulations.

Ash wants to encourage other talented youngsters across the town to have the confidence to shine even if they are worried about people think.

“My advice would be to be more conscious of the person you are than the way you look,” she said.

“People will always judge, it's unfortunate but it's also the truth. Don't let that stop you from achieving what you desire in your heart. There's far more to you than skin and bones.

“My musical journey in Warrington has been nothing short of vibrant. It helped me enhance my song writing and vocal skills and find my own identity as a musician.

“The music scene in the town is awesome. However it's not just the venues. The standard of music in Warrington is so high.

“We have some of the greatest talent in the UK right here in our hometown. My biggest shout out would be to the people of Warrington to get out and support local musicians. Get down to the open mic nights, have a go or support the people who are playing.

“I would really love to have the support of my hometown that encouraged and inspired my music and made me a competent musician. I owe so much to my friends, family and tutors there.

“After all is said and done, Warrington is wonderful.”

Acoustic Ash’s single, Drive Me Home Tonight, is available now on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify and Amazon and you can follow Ash at facebook.com/theacousticash.