Sam Fender stars in BBC documentary following Lindisfarne Geordie Genius Alan Hall

Newcastle's very own Sam Fender will anchor a new BBC documentary set for release later this week.

The Brit Award winner is going in search of his musical hero, the late, great Alan Hull of Lindisfarne.

Touted at the Geordie Genius, Alan helped put Newcastle on the musical map in the 1970s as part of supergroup Lindisfarne.

The songwriter penned hits such as 'Leady Eleanor' and 'Fog On The Tyne' but relatively little is known about his work away from the North East.

That's what Sam hopes to shine a light on in the documentary which will feature interviews, performances and unseen footage.

The 'Seventeen Going Under' singer will meet friends, family and bandmates who knew Alan best.

Sam also hears from top stars like Sting, Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, Dave Stewart and Peter Gabriel.

Ray Laidlaw, drummer and founding member of Lindisfarne, says: “I was lucky enough to make music and travel the world with Alan for over 25 years and despite the commercial success of Lindisfarne, Alan never received the recognition he deserved as a ‘world-class’ songwriter. I hope our film puts Alan’s songwriting genius beyond doubt.”

Rod Clements, guitarist and founding member of Lindisfarne, said: “Alan’s recognition nationally as a unique and overlooked talent is long overdue. This documentary will rectify that, with affectingly humble and enthusiastic enquiring from Sam Fender, and ringing endorsements from Alan’s better-known contemporaries.

“I’m proud to have been part of this tribute to an underrated artist and friend.”

The documentary will air on BBC Four this Friday, November 26 at 9 pm.