HE is often referred to as the England Cricket team's 12th man, and for the third time in his life East Lancashire-born Sean Ruane, will be triumphantly singing out the team at the Ashes this weekend.

With an astounding voice that has taken him across the world, the opera singer from Rawtenstall has received recognition from across the globe having performed at some of the most prestigious venues.

“This is the third time I have opened The Ashes in the UK, I am going for a hat-trick as will the England team. It’s an honour to be asked back by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). They feel as though I am linked to the England team,” said Sean, who now lives in Burnley.

“They understand that you need to get the spectators on your side, It was apparent at Trent Bridge, the day before I was asked if it wasn’t going our way by the next day, would I go back and sing on stage with all of the eyes of the world watching me. The Australians were down to 22 runs at lunch for the victory so I had to go out. To go out there and sing again – well I have never been as scared as that, I was so so scared,” said the 44-year-old.

After attending St Theodore's RC High School, Burnley, Sean went on to Puccini’s villa in Tuscany and studied at his prestigious academy for Puccini singers.

The Bacup-born star, whose opera career was launched when he fell in love with the soundtrack to a Pretty Polly advert, became England Cricket’s lucky mascot when he sang for them during the famous 2009 Ashes series when they won.

He has since become the voice of the tournament, singing out the team each day with anthem Jerusalem and other patriotic songs.

“Singing at The Ashes is just fantastic, the last time I spurred them on to win Burnley lad James Anderson stopped to take it all in, some players see it as a part of the game. I have had so many tweets from people who said they don’t even like that kind of music, but they are intrigued.”

Fitness is also key for opera singers like Sean.

“Breathing techniques are important and yoga helps to control the breath, when you are singing, you have to control your nerves and it’s all about breathing. You have to control your breath and control your fear. It is nerve-wracking but I am used to it,” confessed Sean.

Away from his hectic schedule, touring and performing in opera houses and venues across the world, the tenor enjoys coming back to his Burnley home, spending time with his family and three children, Scarlett, 8, Gabriel, 5, and Serafina, 3.

“When I have been away touring, it takes me a good few weeks to come back down to earth because it’s very aggressive.

“I find that I just want to sit on the settee and have a cup of tea. The hardest thing is being away from the kids. It’s funny though because they are becoming more aware of me being on the TV, they used to just kind of ignore it, but now they know more of what I do. The children teach me more about music than you could imagine, they like me to learn new songs on the guitar and that keeps me up to date with modern music, especially Bruno Mars and kids’ favourite Dumb Ways to Die,” laughed Sean.

As well as inspiring his own children, he is working with future generations, helping them follow in his footsteps, and last year launched CHANT – Communities Harmonising and Nurturing Talent. The aim of the social enterprise is to engage with young people from deprived areas by teaching them to sing.

Sean, who didn’t embark on his path to opera until he was 24, said: “I have seen the way that music is delivered at sporting events and CHANT is a simple module, helping kids get into music, by delivering a music educational programme into orchestral music.

“Singing has given me so much in my life, and I want to help inspire young people to get involved, find their voice and make it cool to sing. It is important to give young people an opportunity to perform on some of the biggest stages in the country, and I hope to have young people ready in time for the Rugby World Cup.”

Sean, a keen Clarets fan, also aims to teach youngsters to be patriotic with their singing.

“We always feel that we should be patriotic and we should be, other countries are so fiercely patriotic, and that’s what it is all about. Being involved with the England teams, and performing in front of millions brings the players and the crowds together. I am not here to sell a book, or a CD I am very fortunate to be here to engage the crowd.

“This weekend is about getting behind our team.

“It is down to the team but I have seen that singing them on and getting the crowds behind them can work.”