A Largs singer-songwriter has won a prestigious music award in memory of a pop star with local connections, writes Drew Cochrane.

Alice Donaldson of Skelmorlie came joint top of a competition at the top-rated Oran Mor in Glasgow last week. It commemorated the first anniversary of the death of Jim Diamond, whose family live in Largs and Millport.

By performing her own songs talented teenager Alice won the £2500 prize which will help to promote her budding career which has seen her graduate from local gigs to city venues in the past year.

Jim Diamond, who appeared at Barrfields Pavilion Theatre with Graham Lyle several years ago, was a chart-topping artiste in his own right and with band PhD with hits like I Should Have Known Better, I Won't Let You Down and Hi Ho Silver. He died suddenly in his sleep at his London home a year ago at the age of 64. Many musicians, including Gallagher and Lyle, who were long-time friends, attended his service.

Jim's daughter Sara is to attend the SSE Scottish Music Awards this week to collect an award for her father.

Jim was known as Scotland's Ray Charles and started singing with bands as a teenager before moving to London for national and international success, selling millions of records.

Sara said: "I remember he went to no. 1 with 'I Should Have Known Better' while Band Aid's 'Do They Know It's Christmas' was out. He was over the moon but told everyone to go out and buy the charity single."

Ironically, her dad died just two weeks after his mum passed away in a Largs nursing home which he visited regularly with his brother Larry, who also lives in Largs. His nephew Chris, a BBC Scotland producer, lives in Millport.

Hoping now to follow in Jim Diamond's footsteps as a recording artiste is Alice Donaldson, daughter of Largs schoolteacher Ruth who is known for her stage performances with the Operatic Society and the Players.