Helen Shapiro, whose singles Don t Treat Me Like a Child , You Don t Know , Walking Back To Happiness and Tell Me What He Said sent her soaring to international stardom at the tender age of fourteen is coming to the Hills with her Gospel Outreach!

Helen Shapiro, whose singles 'Don't Treat Me Like a Child', 'You Don't Know', 'Walking Back To Happiness' and 'Tell Me What He Said' sent her soaring to international stardom at the tender age of fourteen is coming to the Hills with her Gospel Outreach!

Helen, a highly respected jazz singer, has performed with Humphrey Lyttelton and also with the BBC Big Band, as well as appearing in many stage musicals. In May 1995 she was the 'gob-smacked' subject of 'This Is Your Life' on BBC TV.

In August 1987 Helen became a committed follower of Jesus Christ. And in 1989 she held the first of many Gospel Evenings to coincide with the release of her first gospel album 'The Pearl'. Helen has since held similar events in the USA, South Africa and Russia.

Steven Reed, leader at Hemyock Baptist Church, recently heard Helen speak and sing. "It was a very special evening for two reasons. Firstly her journey to faith is both powerful and memorable and secondly Helen's singing voice has a wonderful resonant quality putting me in mind of that other great jazz singer Amy Winehouse. This will surely be an extraordinary evening" he said.

Helen is delighted to be visiting the 'Hills' and sent her personal greeting. "I am thankful to Steven Reed and all the people at Hemyock Baptist Church for inviting me down to the Blackdown Hills to hold a Gospel Outreach. I have never been to that part of the country before and I look forward to meeting those who come on the night."

At this Gospel evening Helen presents her challenging story. She will begin by singing a selection of worship songs and then tell how she came to faith. This time is interspersed with songs (including the ever-popular 'Walking Back to Happiness'). She concludes the evening with a very personal challenge.

In 1993, Helen's autobiography entitled 'Walking Back To Happiness' (what else!) was published by Harper Collins. Her 1995 Gospel album entitled 'Nothing But The Best' includes a duet with Cliff Richard and her fourth Gospel album, entitled 'Enter Into His Gates' was also a big seller. Most of the tracks from all four Gospel albums have now been put on a double CD entitled 'The Gospel Collection' which will be available on the night.

The Gospel Outreach is being held on Saturday 21st March at one of the Blackdown Hill's newest venues, Throgmorton Community Hall in Dunkeswell. Tickets are �5 and can be purchased at Hemyock, Churchinford and Dunkeswell Post Offices or by calling 01823 680946 0r 681651.