Former Next Big Thing winner Ed Sheeran has announced he will be headlining his biggest show so far in his home region this summer.

The chart-topping singer-songwriter will perform amongst the trees at Thetford Forest on July 12 as part of the Forestry Commission's series of summer concerts.

Ed Sheeran has established himself as a prolific live performer with hundreds of gigs under his belt, building a legion of fans in the process.

Following a succession of profile-raising EPs, his No 1 debut album '+' released last September has been a continuous fixture in the album charts and returned to the No 1 position at the beginning of 2012.

It has generated infectious hit singles like The A Team, Lego House, and You Need Me, I Don't Need You. Music industry accolades include 2011 Q Award for Breakthrough Artist and BBC Radio 1's Teen Awards best single for The A Team.

Commenting on the forest date, Ed Sheeran said: 'I am delighted to confirm this gig as my only East Anglian show in 2012. It will be a forest first for me and I can't wait to get on stage amongst the trees and perform in such a unique place.'

Tickets for the show, priced �24 (subject to booking fee), will go on sale at 9am on January 13 on 03000 680400 or at www.forestry.gov.uk/music