Superstar Tom Jones, who first hit the charts almost 40 years ago with It's Not Unusual, has finally begun writing his own songs - at the age of 62.

The veteran Welsh singer is writing his own material for his new album due out in the autumn and being produced by former Fugees star - Haitian musician Wyclef Jean.

Wyclef:' Good vibes'

Jones, originally from Pontypridd in the south Wales Valleys, admits to getting a " big, big thrill" from writing his own words.

A statement on his website said he considered it the best experience he has ever had in a studio.

His website says: "For the first time in his career Tom is contributing to the tracks as a writer working alongside Wyclef and Jerry as each track builds."

"The process is so much fun that Tom considers this the best experience he's even had in the studio.

"For someone who has been recording for 38 years, that's saying something."

Jones is no stranger to collaborations with younger stars.

Wyclef and his partner Jerry Duplesis are brilliant, they have so many ideas and a wide appreciation and knowledge of all kinds of music

Tom Jones

Earlier this month at the Golden Jubilee party at Buckingham Palace he sang with boy band Blue.

Fourteen years ago he worked on a cover version of Prince's Kiss.

And his last album, Reload, was a conglomeration of tracks with other performers.

He duetted with the former Catatonia Cerys Matthews and sang with a range of younger stars, walking off with a Brit award for Best Male Artist 2000 at the age of 60.

At the other end of the scale the singer has also peformed his Delilah with Italian tenor Pavarotti at a charity concert in Italy.

Jones has already dueted with Cerys Matthews

Jones said of this latest collaboration it was the best time he has ever had in the studio.

"Wyclef and his partner Jerry Duplesis are brilliant, they have so many ideas and a wide appreciation and knowledge of all kinds of music.

"It's almost unbelievable how creative they can be at any given time.

"They know how to work with me, my voice, my history and they know how to stretch me while still making me find what's real."

Tom first met Wyclef last year at London's Party in the Park.

Later he sang It's Not Unusual with him at the Top of the Pops Awards.

The star's website says the "vibes" in the studio are good - and that Wyclef was "delighted" to be involved with the veteran vocalist.

Wyclef has also been complimentary about the partnership.

"We did a 2004 version of What's New Pussycat with my man Tom Jones - he's the most insane."

Jones' new album is due out in the autumn.