A soul singer and songwriter based in Wimbledon is hosting a church gig to raise money for a series of charity concerts set in art galleries.

Melissa James will perform a full set of her debut album 'Day Dawns' at the gig in Emmanuel Church on Thursday, September 18.

Born in London to West Indian parents, Melissa's 'uplifting' and 'sensitive' songs are partly inspired by Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Jonie Mitchell.

Promising to be a lively and varied show, local artists Malory Torr and Rakit will open the concert before Melissa takes to the stage.

The performance will be followed by a raffle with prizes donated by Wimbledon businesses. Hemingways Lounge Bar, of Wimbledon High Street, will serve drinks on the night.

Melissa said: "It's going to be a really fun musical night and it's a chance to see Wimbledon artists shine in a musical setting."

Money raised from ticket sales will support Melissa's Gig in a Gallery (GIAG) project, designed to launch aspiring musicians and performing artists by giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Profits raised from the art gallery concerts will in turn support Fixers, a charity which encourages young people to 'use their past to fix their future'.

Fixers have included Stephen Sutton, a cancer patient who famously used his battle with the illness to help and inspire others.

They have a voice they want to be heard and using the skills of a team of creative experts, they work out the best method of transmitting their message to the right people.

The gig is supported by Emmanuel Church and local businesses. If you would like to support Melissa's project, contact her on 07779 631 317, or email hello@giginagallery.com.

Gig in a Gallery Fundraising Concert; Emmanuel Church, Ridgeway, Wimbledon; Thursday, September 18; doors from 6.30pm, start time 7.15pm; £10; http://GIAG.brownpapertickets.com