A PROMISING North-East singer is marking her 20th birthday by releasing her first single as a free download.

Katie Coleman, from Darlington, has always had a passion for the musician lifestyle, buying her first guitar at the age of nine with her pocket money.

She then began to write her own songs and perform to family and friends in the local area, surprising all with a talent beyond her years.

After developing her sound, Miss Coleman was discovered on YouTube last year and gained management in London.

Since then, she has been writing and recording and has worked with producers associated with the likes of Adele, Lana Del Rey and James Morrison.

On her 20th birthday on Friday (April 11), she is releasing her single One More Lonely Heart, which will be available for free download via SoundCloud.

An album will follow later this year.

Miss Coleman said: “I've been working really hard over the year and I'm excited to see things come together with this single and upcoming EP.

“Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me and I'll be playing a big home show around summer time, so I can't wait for that.”

Critics have praised her ‘heart-warming’ lyrics and ‘soulful style’.

Miss Coleman’s debut music video will be posted on her YouTube channel at the end of the month.

For more information and updates, visit katiecolemanofficial.com