TEENAGE singing sensation Katie Melua will be visiting the region during her debut UK tour, which kicks off next month.

The 12-date tour starts in her former home town of Belfast on February 29 and takes in York's Barbican on Friday, March 5. More venues in the region could be added later in the year.

The 19-year-old's blend of jazz and blues has earned her critical acclaim and her debut album Call Off The Search is at number four in the UK charts.

"This is just a three-week tour, so we can't make it to all the cities we'd like to, so I think there will be a second leg of the tour in the autumn."

Tickets for the York concert, at £16.50, are available from the box office on (01904) 656688, or the national credit card hotline on 0870 143 2203

Published: 23/01/2004