BACUP-born opera singer Sean Ruane has been invited to sing in front of some of the nation's biggest names in sport at this year's historic BBC Sports Personality of the Year Show on Sunday.

The show is being held at the NEC in Birmingham, the first time it has been held outside of London for the first time in its 53-year history, and all 3,000 tickets sold out in an hour.

Sean said: "I am delighted to have been invited to sing at the show.

"You only have to see the list of sporting talents that are attending the event to understand why I am so excited and with this being the first show held outside of London I feel lucky to be a part of this memorable event."

The show, which will feature a range of honours including the overall Sports Personality of the Year Award, attracts millions of viewers each year.

Sean, who is becoming known as the Operatic Voice of Sport, will entertain the audience ahead of the live TV screening.

Demand for the tenor has rapidly increased after he bowled over cricket crowds during last year's Ashes series with his rendition of Jerusalem.

Since then he has appeared at rugby internationals, the Great North Run, Englands first competitive football internationals this season and, most recently, Rugby League's Grand Final at Old Trafford.