Paul Golder writes for the Brentwood Gazette

We had a real cult classic in the studio last week with a visit from vocalist, songwriter and writer Helen McCookerybook.

Helen was one of the original women of punk and chose her name after a local journalist put her on the spot to choose a punk name – and McCookerybook stuck.

Helen will be well known to fans of BBC Radio 1 in the 70s and 80s. She was in two bands during this time, The Chefs and Helen and the Horns, in the mid 80s. Both bands were admired by John Peel, and they recorded six Peel sessions between them.

After a long break from her music career, Helen started again as a solo artist in 2005, regularly playing live gigs and releasing recordings.

Helen chatted to Michelle about the start of the punk movement, her memories of John Peel, and her book and forthcoming documentary too, and also played several songs live on air.

You can hear and see her session again at www.phoenixfm.com and check out her music on her official website at mccookerybook.com.