TICKETS for a Christmas concert by Rossendale's internationally-acclaimed opera star Sean Ruane have sold within hours of going on sale.

And to meet the demands of his faithful fans, the singer has now added an extra night to his dates.

Sean - tipped by some as the next Russell Watson - announced plans to play in front of his home-town fans at Bacup's Royal Court Theatre on Saturday, December 18, just last week with all 500 tickets being snapped up.

Now the tenor has arranged an extra night on Sunday, December 19, in order to cope with the demand.

The show, entitled Sean Ruane: Home Again, will feature the tenor performing a mix of opera, musical theatre, Irish song and traditional Christmas favourites.

He will be joined on stage by Tom McConville, widely regarded as one of the finest fiddle players in the British Isles, pianist Carl Williams and on mandolin the well-known Bacup accountant Tony Quinn.

For Sean, who still lives in Rossendale, it will be his first live performance in the borough for more than a year.

He says he is more nervous playing at home in Bacup than in Milan because so many people know him personally, and added: "I am amazed and delighted by news of the ticket sales.

"We wondered what the response would be but never in my wildest dreams expected to sell out the venue in such a short space of time."

Currently performing in France, Sean has been cast as principal tenor in the French debut of the The Tempest.

He added: "It is great to be able to perform in front of friends, family, and people who have supported me through thick and thin. I think the title of the show sums it up perfectly."