Lily Allen's actor father Keith is to follow in the footsteps of his pop star daughter by launching his own singing career.

Keith Allen has ventured into the music industry before, collaborating on football songs including 2007's World In Motion with New Order and 1998's Vindaloo by Fat Les.

And Allen penned a collection of songs for his famous daughter before she landed a record deal, but after the Smile singer refused to use any of his songs, he has decided to record them himself.

He says, "I worked very hard on these 11 songs for Lily, and she decided not to use them. A 15-year-old girl sounded ridiculous singing the lyrics of a 40-year-old man.

"But it inspired me to write the album we're working on."

Allen has already recorded several tracks with renowned musician Pablo Cook, who has previously worked with Madonna, Joe Strummer and Robbie Williams.

(China Daily/Agencies April 2,2008)