TOP operatic baritone Keith Latham returned to his home ground to help raise money for his teenage niece's choir.

More than 300 people went to the Municipal Hall, Colne, to hear Padiham-born Mr Latham, who has sung principal roles all over Europe and in Australia, sing a selection of operatic pieces and popular songs.

His niece Emma Latham, 17, who is a member of Nelson Civic Junior Choir, made her debut as a soloist as her choir presented their part of the concert.

Nelson Arion Glee Union male choir also took part, and joined Mr Latham in the finale "Yeomen of England." The money raised will go towards the £18,000 the juniors are raising for a two-week singing trip to Canada next year.

Juniors conductor David Wilkinson said: "Keith did us proud and we are very grateful to him for supporting us.

"The turn-out was very good despite the bad weather. Some people from the Yorkshire side couldn't make it because of the snow."

Marsden Building Society sponsored the concert.

The 'Great Singers' fund-raising concerts continue with bass John Tomlinson, originally from Oswaldtwistle, on June 7.

John Rawnsley, originally from Earby and currently appearing as Mr Mistopheles in the West End production of Cats, will sing at Colne on June 24.

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