A TEENAGE songwriter from Bournemouth is launching a charity single to support a local women’s refuge.

Nicole McNally, a Bournemouth and Poole College student, hopes her song about domestic abuse ‘Annabelle’ will raise money for Bournemouth Women’s Refuge, run by local housing and support provider BCHA.

The 16-year-old will launch the single at a fundraising all day music event at Chaplin’s bar in Boscombe on Saturday, October 14.

Nicole, who last year was a featured artist on BBC Introducing Solent radio show and has performed in events across the south and in London, was inspired to write the song after learning about domestic abuse during a school lesson.

The former Avonbourne college pupil said: “I was inspired to write the song after reading and discussing the topic during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

“After playing the song a few times locally and seeing the reaction it received from several survivors, which promoted them to share their own experiences with me, I decided to release 'Annabelle' as a charity single and host the event. My aim is to raise much needed funds and awareness to help others in this position. BCHA is local to me and has its own refuge, so I would love it if as many people as possible could support my event.”

The fundraising event celebrating the single’s launch will feature performances from 16 artists including Matt Black (piano man) Si Genaro from The Voice, Jonny Phillips, Kimari Raven, Matt Griffiths and Ant Lewis.

Paul Tucker, campaigns and communications manager at BCHA said: “It takes a very exceptional and talented 16-year-old to not only write and release a single but also organise their very own charity gig. We are absolutely overwhelmed by Nicole’s passion and dedication to help BCHA continue to support women and children affected by domestic abuse and violence.”

Admission is to the event is by donation and copies of the single will be available to buy on the day, with all profits from the single and event going directly to the Women's Refuge.

For more information go to facebook.com/Nicole-Mcnally-Official