OPERA star John Tomlinson is returning to his native East Lancashire next month to raise money for a junior choir.

Oswaldtwistle-born bass Mr Tomlinson has sung all over the world and sings leading roles regularly with English National Opera and the Royal Opera at Covent Garden.

He was awarded a CBE in the New Year honours list, and sang at the Last Night of the proms last year.

Mr Tomlinson has a following in Germany for his interpretations of Wagner and has sung at Bayreuth Festival every year since 1988.

He will sing at Colne Municipal Hall on Saturday June 7 to help raise money for Nelson Civic Junior Choir's two-week singing trip to Canada in September. The choir is raising £18,000.

Conductor David Wilkinson said: "It's a great honour to have John sing for us.

"His appearances in East Lancashire are very rare, and quite a number of people are coming from Oswaldtwistle and Accrington to see him.

"His programme for the night includes pieces from grand opera like Gotterdammerung, Macbeth, Faust and Boris Godunov.

"He is also singing lighter pieces from The Magic Flute, The Barber of Seville and Iolanthe, along with spirituals, so there will be something for all music lovers."

Although Mr Tomlinson, 50, is an international star, he has not forgotten his roots and often gives credit to his early years singing at his Methodist chapel in Oswaldtwistle and with Accrington Male Voice Choir, which Mr Wilkinson now conducts.

Tickets are available from Nelson Civic Choir members and Pendle Leisure Services, Albert Road, Colne.

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