A musician has released his second studio album - to raise money for orphans and widows in severe poverty in Tenali, a province in India.

Richard Byers, of Ousby, near Penrith, known as musician and producer Ethereal Music, has named the album after the leader of the charity he is supporting and good friend, Pavan Guirindapalli, 30.

The album, 'Dear Pavan', was released at the beginning of April, and every penny made goes to the True Living Hope Charity, which Pavan is head of.

It is limited to 100 hand signed and numbered copies and has already raised more than £350.

This, says Richard, is equivalent to about 600 kg of rice - or education supplies for 100 schoolchildren.

"I really wanted to make a difference once I saw the situation there , so I set about writing and dedicating my second studio album to those in need in India," said Richard, 26.

He added that he had met Pavan some months earlier online and said they had become 'like brothers'.

"The situation there really hit me hard.

"He is one of the most generous and selfless people I have ever known, he hasn't even owned a pair of shoes in his life."

Hundreds of hours of work has gone into the writing, production, mastering and distribution of the album, all for charity.

"It may seem like a lot, but compared to the work that Pavan does every day out in India fending for the widows and orphans, it really isn't much, and it ’ s a true honour to do what I can to support him," said Richard.

He has had releases on several well-respected labels over the last two years of his career - and concentrates on fusing together different genres of music to create something new, unique and exciting.

His main focus is on blending state of the art electronic equipment with a more organic sound.

As well as his own music, Richard holds tutoring and workshop services, performs regularly with disabled adults in a Penrith day centre and around local BUPA care homes, as well as performing to those living with dementia.

Richard's belief is that anyone and everyone should have the opportunity to play music, no matter what their ability or skill.

Along with his on-going work, Richard regularly participates in charity events, including DJ - ing for the Salvation Army during Christmas and for the Eden Valley Hospice during its 2016 Colour Run.

Richard said: “With such little funding much of my work is sustained by myself, meaning I have to work twice as hard.

"But it is ultimately all worth it. My vision is to see my work reaching out to those in most need and the last two years have been a good start."

Richard praises the Oasis Evangelical Church in Penrith for a donation towards production costs of the album.

He added: "The support so far has been overwhelming.

"Not just in terms of orders but also in other areas such as distribution, publicity and helping to generally raise awareness for this cause.

"Unfortunately, the True Living Hope Charity survives on very little to virtually no support from outside.

"Unlike major charities it really doesn’t have the media attention it deserves, so the awareness raised so far by the album has really been very valuable."

The album costs £7 plus £3 postage and packing, and is presented in a full colour gatefold CD pack . To order the album, either:

* Contact Richard at: studio@etherealmusicuk.com;

* Visit: www.truelivinghope.com/donate;

* Visit: www.etherealmusicuk.bandcamp.com/album/dear-pavan-charity-album;

* C all Helen at 07811675591.