AWARD-winning music star James Blunt has added another date to his diary – an open-air gig in the heart of North Yorkshire.

He will be playing in Dalby Forest on the North York Moors as part of the Forestry Commission’s Forest Live annual concert series.

He was propelled to stardom in 2005 with the release of his first recording and has since gone on to sell 17m albums and 20m singles worldwide.

Forest Live is an independent programme organised by the Forestry Commission bringing music to new audiences without commercial branding or sponsorship. Income from the concerts is spent on improving the woodland for both people and wildlife.

James Blunt and band plus special guests will be performing on June 26 and tickets at £43.45 - including booking fee - go on sale at 9am on February 7 from 03000 680400 or forestry.gov.uk/music.