TEESSIDE folk singer Vin Garbutt is continuing to recover after being taken to hospital with heart problems.

Mr Garbutt is in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, after being admitted to the cardiac care unit last week where tests showed he has a faulty heart valve and will need an operation.

The 57-year-old, from Loftus, fell ill as he was setting off to Leeds to appear in a benefit concert for ex-Fairport Convention fiddle player Dave Swarbrick, who underwent a heart and lung transplant.

As a result, he has cleared his diary until at least April, although some concerts may still go ahead with replacement acts.

His website www.vingarbutt.com carries get-well messages from across the country.

One of the first concerts he had to cancel was at the Marton Hotel and Country Club to raise funds for Zoe's Place children's hospice.

But French singer Flossie Malaiville, based in Darlington, took his place. Flossie and Tom Hughes also stepped in to feature in his annual concert for the Redcar Life group.

Well-wishers can write to Mr Garbutt, c/o Home Roots Music, PO Box 6, Skelton, TS13 4YT.