A SOUTH Wales Argus worker has reached the semi-final stage of the UK Songwriting Contest.

Gavin Clifton, 32, of Pentwynmawr, has penned two songs, Heart in a Paper Bag and Behind the Candelight, for the lyrics-only category of the prestigious competition.

Judged by highly respected producers – including Stuart Epps, who worked with Elton John – the contest has received thousands of entries from lyricists and musicians from across the world.

Mr Clifton, who has cerebral palsy, said he was delighted to have made it to the semi-final stage and hopes to continue impressing the judges.

He said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I wasn’t sure whether to enter as, in my mind, the odds of getting through were so low. But, now, I’m so glad I plucked up the courage to enter.

“To have the judges even look at my lyrics makes me feel so proud to be given this opportunity.

“You just have to look at the calibre of talent and artists they have produced top hits for. It just overwhelms me.”

Mr Clifton has been writing lyrics since 2011, having always held a passion for writing short stories.

He regularly uses novels and films for inspiration and To Kill a Mocking Bird proved his muse for one of his entries, Heart in a Paper Bag, in the UK Songwriting contest.

Mr Clifton, who cites the Stereophonics as one of his main influences, said: “I gained inspiration from the setting of an Alabama town in To Kill a Mockingbird.

“I had a vision of a gentleman falling in love with a woman just from seeing her stand on her doorstep every morning on his way to work.

“One day, he leaves his heart on her decking with the hope that she will realise that he wants to be with her. Face Behind The Candlelight is about a shy lady, who is very reluctant to let somebody love her.

“But, a man really wants to show her that there is a kind of love out there for everyone and we all deserve to be loved in different ways.

“He just needs to reassure her that he isn’t going to let her down in any way.”

To hear some of Mr Clifton’s lyrics performed, visit youtube.com/user/cliftopwales. The results of the contest will be revealed in December.