Sacha Skarbek had a musical scholarship at Northbourne Park School

by Mary Louis

A former Deal schoolboy has co-written the ballad Engelbert Humperdinck hopes will bring the UK Eurovision Song Contest glory.

Sacha Skarbek worked with Grammy award-winning Martin Terefe to create Love Will Set You Free for the 75-year-old crooner.

Humperdinck has described the song, in which he sings alongside a Spanish-style guitar accompaniment, as "beautiful" and "romantic".

Skarbek honed his early talent through a musical scholarship to Northbourne Park School, Betteshanger, where he was known as Alex and which he attended from 1982-85.

His career has rocketed and his musical skills have gained worldwide acclaim.

Skarbek co-wrote James Blunt's international hit You're Beautiful before going on to work with a host of headline artists including Adele, Duffy, Sir Paul McCartney and Jon Bon Jovi.

His work has earned him a Grammy-nomination and two Ivor Novello awards, honouring excellence in British music.

He is currently writing for Seal, Gwen Stefani, Pussy Cat Dolls and Duffy.

Humperdink was announced as the susprise choice to represent the UK at Eurovision last month after years of disappointment.

The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will involve 42 countries and take place in Azerbaijan, who produced last year's winners Eldar and Nigar, with the song Running Scared. The final is on May 26.