TEENAGE singer Emma Latham has an opera star for an uncle... and soon he will be her choir's favourite uncle, too.

Keith Latham, from Burnley, has sung leading operatic roles all over the world and is taking time off from his busy schedule to sing in a fund-raising concert for Nelson Civic Junior Choir.

The money raised will go towards the £18,000 the juniors need for a singing trip to Canada next year.

Keith will appear with the juniors and Nelson Arion male voice choir at Colne Municipal Hall on Sunday, November 24.

Nelson and Colne college student Emma, 17, of Claremont Street, Colne, will also be in the limelight when she sings a solo.

Padiham born Keith, 42, has risen to stardom in the opera world since he turned professional 12 years ago.

He has sung in some of the world's greatest opera houses and is currently appearing with the operatic "lady in red" Lesley Garrett in the English National Opera production of The Cunning Little Vixen at London Coliseum.

He was asked to sing for the juniors by conductor David Wilkinson, who is a former professional opera singer.

Keith said: "I was glad to be able to help, especially since it was for Emma's choir.

"I like to come back and sing in local concerts like this. Its more relaxed than appearing in opera, but I still have to be on form because it's in front of a home crowd."

Keith's programme at Colne will include items from La Traviata, Tannhauser, Faust and Macbeth, along with lighter pieces from operetta and musicals.

Tickets are available from Pendle Leisure Services in Albert Road, Colne.

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