A social worker is balancing his day job with producing music on the side, and hoping to inspire others to follow their dreams.

James Appiah, who lives in Dartford, released his song My Love last week, with a music video due out in August.

The south London-born producer works full-time for Greenwich council, supporting adults with learning disabilities, but in his free time, you'll find him immersed in songs.

James' love of music started at an early age. He said: "From knee-high, my dad would always take us to Notting Hill Carnival, and we’d be there every year.

"There’s pictures of my brother and I stood next to these massive speakers.

"It sparked from there; it was ingrained in my everyday life while I was growing up."

James now prefers to write and produce music behind the scenes instead of being centre-stage, and covers a range of genres including R&B, house and garage.

As happy and successful as he might be now, James' life has had its challenges such as having his first daughter aged 17.

He said: "It was scary because at that age, you don’t know what you’re going to do in life.

"But, that was a massive thing that helped me to narrow in my focus to try to become something better."

The 33-year-old went on to work his way up within the council, and believes his love of music helped guide him.

He said: "The music has definitely been something that has steered me onto the right track, especially with the line of work that I do every day – I would never have thought I would have achieved that.

"When I was first working for the council 10 years ago, I was standing at the printer all day scanning papers. I’ve worked my way through the organisation and I found myself in the position that I’m in now, fortunately.

"But that’s through proving myself and them believing in me, giving me the opportunity."

The social worker says that he is proof anyone can turn their life around, and hopes to inspire others to do the same.

He added: "Growing up, everyone makes mistakes and does bad things but that shouldn’t define where you’re going to end up.

"You can change things around and do positive things.

"I feel like I’m one of those people in my community who’s evidence of that."

You can find My Love on Spotify and Apple Music.