AYR singer/songwriter and runner up on The Voice picked up his guitar for the first time since the competition to play to his toughest audience.

Craig Ward performed at the Market Inn on Friday night to over 100 family members to say thank you for their support and to try out his new music.

Craig explained: "It was a very low key event for friends and family and there were at least three or four generations of Wards.

"I was show casing some of my new materiel to my harshest critics but it went really well. It was important to acknowledge the lovely support they all gave me.

"It was a great place to move forward and a great building to perform. "

The 31-year-old is performing at Ayr Racecourse's Ladies Night on August 12 to an audience of 12,000. X Factor group 5 After Midnight will also be there. Separately they will be performing all the hits and singing the big numbers. 

Later in August, Craig will be headlining his own show, and singing his songs to make his mark.