FORMER Ross-on-Wye singer-songwriter April Shipton has made her long-awaited return with Holding On, her first self-published song in nearly seven years.

“If you've run out of ideas, run out of tears, run out of hope and don’t know what to pray anymore, I hope this song will speak to you and say: it's okay,” April said: “God is holding onto you, He has heard you and seen you, and He is never letting go.”

The song’s release came after an unexpected moment at church, where a friend’s words gave April the clarity she needed to return to music.

Many in Ross may remember April from performances at the Ross Beer & Cider Festival and events at Ross Baptist Church.

Holding On is available now on all major streaming platforms.