A singer from Texas is launching a new acoustic music venue in north Norfolk next month.

Americana folk singer Carrie Elkin is the first name on the bill at the Upper Sheringham Acoustic Cafe.

Her concert on Saturday April 9 raises the curtain on a project hatched by Norfolk music fan and promoter Andy Dyer.

He hopes to turn the village hall into an intimate, atmospheric cafe-style venue for folk, blues and country, having helped run a similar venture at a pub in Manningtree in Essex earlier in his life.

Mr Dyer, 47 from Thorpe Marriott near Norwich was drawn to the hall through local connections - his father Terry Read is a member of the Sheringham Shantymen folk group.

'I cannot play but I love putting on live acoustic music. We did it at the Manningtree Red Lion for nine years, bringing in acts such as Kate Rusby in her early days.

'I was looking for a venue outside Norwich and saw the Upper Sheringham hall which is really nice,' he explained.

Audience members will sit at candlelit tables and can bring a bottle to the concerts.

For the first one teas and cakes will also raise funds for the village sign appeal, but the aim was just to 'promote music in north Norfolk and break even,' added Mr Dyer, who works with adults with learning difficulties.

Singer songwriter Carrie Elkin's gig is sandwiched between performances on Tyneside and in Wales on her tour.

Next up will be another American Greg Trooper on Friday May 13, with the Cornish youngsters the Carrivick Sisters, finalists in the BBC2 folk awards, on Saturday June 18,

Tickets for all concerts, which start at 7.30pm, are �6 in advance bookable through the Sheringham Little Theatre box office on 01263 822347, or �7 on the door. Visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com for more information.