A RETIREMENT gift has inspired a Runcorn musician to fulfil a dream.

Tom Shallcross launched his debut album at the age of 75.

Now, at 80, he has just released his third album, Just Imagination.

He has been writing songs for more than 20 years and finally decided to share them with an audience.

Runcorn-born Tom, of Kenilworth Avenue, who has four grandchildren, said: “When I took early retirement at 58, one of the presents colleagues bought for me was a keyboard.

“It started from that and I got really keen.”

Tom, who has two grown up sons, worked for United Utilities collecting rainfall and river data as a hydrometric officer.

He used to have piano lessons as a teenager but never practised.

He writes the lyrics and the tunes and his friend, John Kyffin from Preston Brook records his songs.

Tom said: “John is a fine musician. He does the vocal and backing. He does a tremendous job.

“I get a lot of pleasure out of writing the lyrics.”

John plays at the Prospect Inn in Weston on Wednesday nights.

Tom’s first album, Tom Shallcross Songbook, included middle of the road, easy listening music.

His new album contains similar music, a few ballads and some amusing songs.

Tom, who enjoys cricket, horse racing, football and darts,   added: “I wanted to go out with a bang. I think this will be the last one I’ll ever do.

“I’d recommend it to anyone. It keeps your mind active when you are getting older.

“It’s amazing where inspiration comes from.”