Friday 30th February 2004
You would think that a sprinkling of snow would be just what everyone needs to cheer them up, but instead it's caused chaos up and down the country and the icy conditions have made traveling almost impossible for some.

While some people can't even leave their homes for work, Alex Parks can't even leave the country for home! Stuck in Ireland, Alex has been meeting with a song writer to work on new material for her next album.

Alex's mum Jean Parks told us her trip started on Sunday and the plan was to spend a few days in Dublin making music and writing lyrics before heading back to London on Wednesday. But the snow has effected many English airports and Alex's flight back on Wednesday was snow bound. Luckily she's been able to stay a few more days in the same hotel and it's provided a great opportunity to do some sight seeing!

Jean said that the writing trips to Dublin have been really useful for Alex. She's written a selection of songs, one of which is set to be a great hit. Jean told us that Alex was 'really excited' about the 'euphoric and ambient' tune. Although It's not certain that it'll be included on the second album.

On her return to England Alex will continue to promote her new single 'Cry' which is released on February 16th. The CD single will also contain a special track that Alex wrote before her music career kicked off.

Jean parks

The B-side to the single was prompted by Alex's mum. Mrs Parks said that after a conversation on the phone with her daughter, she asked Alex what she was going to do with all the songs she wrote before entering Fame Academy.

"It really came out of the blue. She said that she'd forgotten all about the songs, and a few days later I got a call from her saying that they'd recorded it and it'll appear on the single."

The song is called 'Chasing the Blue' and is an original composition. Jean is looking forward to the release and says the song will hit a nerve with many fans.

"It's a shame it just misses Valentines day"

"It's such an emotional song, I think it'll be meaningful to a lot of people"

You can tell us what you think of the song by posting your comments on the messageboard. Click here to hear the song and see the video.

Don't forget to look out for Alex on TV and radio:

:: NEWS IN BRIEF
	February 22nd - Fame Academy: Alex's Story - 1530, BBC One