A composer and producer from Watford hopes to inspire up-and-coming musicians from the town, after scoring his first chart hit.

Shahid Khan, 25, is riding high in the Top 40 after the song he co-wrote and produced, Diamond Rings by Chipmunk featuring Emeli Sande, landed at number 11 in this week's chart.

He has also scored a three year writing contract with Sony and a one album record deal with Virgin.

Three years ago, however, Shahid had quit university after one semester, having filled a number of jobs – working for Domino's Pizza, The Grove hotel and at Watford General Hospital – since he left Westfield Community Technology College in Tolpits Lane.

It was then that he decided to follow his ambition to write and produce his own music, under the name Naughty Boy Recordings.

In 2006 he was chosen to receive a grant by the Prince's Trust, with which he bought some equipment, and this was further boosted when he won £44,000 on Channel 4 programme Deal or No Deal later the same year.

Shahid said: “The Prince's Trust has a scheme where they want to help people who they feel can set up their own business. I wanted to make music but I didn't have any equipment. They said they wanted to help me.

“From there it was down to me to get my music heard.”

Shahid, who plays the piano and drums, and is learning the guitar, composes his music in the shed in his parent's garden, in Charlock Way.

He grew up listening to Bollywood music but now lists his favourite band as Kings of Leon, alongside Kanye West.

He said: “I'm not trying to concentrate on one style of music or box myself in a certain category. Everytime I sit here I'm thinking of something fresh.”

Shahid is now planning an album with his writing partner, singer Emeli Sande, after being offered a deal with Virgin.

He also collaborated with Cheryl Cole on a track, named Boys, for her forthcoming solo album, and is set to work with former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

He said: “I'm not trying to be famous. I'm just trying to be known for making music.

“The biggest thing I did was take a risk. If you take a risk in something you believe in, it can pay off.”

Shahid also hopes to inspire others to follow in his footsteps by giving talks to youngsters involved in Watford Football Club's Community Sports and Education Trust.

He said: “Although some kids don't excel at school, they still want to get into music, film or drama. I don't think we have enough awareness about how to do that. So I want to be more involved. If kids know there's someone around them who's in the music business and is paid to make music, I think it would be quite inspiring.”