BLACKPOOL has been good to singer Mark Rattray.

Last year the man who brought Mario Lanza back to life at the Grand Theatre had the happiest time of his life thanks to the Nolan sisters.

And two lucky readers can meet the man himself in another exclusive Citizen competition with first prize of two show tickets and an after-show encounter.

"Last year was great," Mark recalls. "I stayed with the Nolans at their house and we lived out of each other's pockets for the whole of the summer. We had a brilliant time.

"I'm really glad to be back in Blackpool," he says with genuine enthusiasm. "Blackpool is marvellous. I love it"

Rattray, pictured here with fans outside the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, is performing in Lanza - The Last Serenade for his second visit to the Grand Theatre.

The show was written with him in mind and he has the personal approval of Lanza's daughter Ellisa, which he considers to be a real honour.

"I have to be honest and say I was not really familiar with any of his songs before I was told about the part - or at least I didn't think I was. Then, when I heard them, I recognised them all.

"Some I remembered from weddings and parties when I was a small child. My father used to get up and belt out a Mario Lanza number and really embarrass me."

Mark is now concentrating on his return to Blackpool next week and he says that he has already booked bed and breakfast at his favourite singing sisters' house.