ONE of Knutsford High School’s singing alumni is eagerly awaiting Sunday’s top 40 chart after releasing his debut single.

Kendal Sant, formerly of Manchester Road, released his debut single, One Night on Monday, and has already seen it featured on BBC Radio Two and heralded by famous DJ Paul Gambaccini.

An album is also set to hit the shops later this year.

The 22-year-old, who left Knutsford High School four years ago, has been described as a ‘charismatic and gifted singer in the classic tradition’, whose influences range from Bob Dylan to Ryan Adams.

“I was always in the school plays, that is what got me singing at first and, then I played the guitar in my spare time,” he told the Guardian.

“I started playing in assemblies, and that was my first experience of playing in front of people.”

He was discovered playing gigs in the French ski resort of Chamonix, and after a short period was signed up by producer Stuart Epps, who has worked with Elton John and Oasis, among others.

Despite his current success, he makes sure he doesn’t forget his friends.

“They have been really supportive, and you have to remember this hasn’t been an overnight thing,” he said.

“When I left school I went gigging in the ski resorts and they have been behind me all the way, and it is really good to have them supporting me.”

With the single being out in the shops, Kendal said he expects the album to be finished by the summer.

“It is quite different to the single,” he said.

“That is quite ‘poppy’ and the first one tends to be, because it has to appeal to the masses, but on the album it is a mix of blues and rock, through to folk and country. But it is all on the same theme.”

Kendal can be followed on Facebook and Twitter, with more information on his career available at kendalsant.co.uk.

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