A STAR from the West End show Cats has had to drop out of a celebrity concert, but a leading opera singer has stepped in at short notice to replace him.

John Rawnsley, originally from Colne, is a leading operatic baritone and switched to musicals to play Mr Mistofeles, the magical old cat in the Lloyd-Webber hit show.

He had agreed to sing in Colne to raise money for Nelson Civic Junior Choir's trip to Canada in September, but has had to cancel on doctor's orders.

Juniors' conductor David Wilkinson said: "John said he is unwell and has been told to reduce his commitments.

"He is very sorry that he is unable to come back and sing in Colne."

The scheduled concert will go ahead at Colne Municipal Hall on Sunday June 22 starring David Owen, a principal tenor with English National Opera, who used to sing with Mr Wilkinson in Kent Opera. Mr Wilkinson added:

"Luckily, David Owen is completing a role with Welsh National Opera and is travelling to join a Scottish Opera production that weekend. He was happy to step into the breach for us."

The concert also features all three civic choirs - primaries, juniors and ladies - and ticket prices are being reduced to £5.

Anyone who has already booked in advance at a higher price can claim a refund on the night.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.