VIN Garbutt’s career has spanned over 40 years of constant world wide touring which must make him some kind of elder statesman of folk.

His songs were inspired by the folk tradition at the beginning of his career, and they still are but have transformed into gritty social comment and life observations.

He is renowned for his hilarious intros but for him his song lyrics are the crux of his performance.

‘Vin cuts through the bull, grasping those he meets firmly by the hand and shaking them up with a dose of laughter and tears,’ said English Folk Dance and Song Society.

‘It’s a true gift to be able to make us laugh and squirm at the same time but Vin does both. He should be prescribed on the National Health.’

Penguin Eggs Magazine said: ‘Every budding singer-songwriter please take note: attending a Vin Garbutt concert is now mandatory before your first public performance. Garbutt is the undisputed master of communication with an audience.

Vin was a BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards winner for best live act in 2001 and a nominee for best folk singer the same year.

An honorary degree of Master of Arts was awarded to Vin by Teesside University in 2001 for his music and his services to the arts and culture of the area of the North East of England.

Vin will be appearing at The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington on Saturday (January 21).