A LEADING opera singer who started out at a Blackburn church has retired after 23 years performing around the world.

Gladwyn Taylor, 61, formally of Gibb Lane, Blackburn, sang with Opera North after being one of the lucky few to be selected.

Opera North was founded in 1978 as an offshoot of English National Opera in London. It is based at the Grand Theatre and Opera House in Leeds.

Gladwyn moved from her Blackburn home and St Silas' Church choir to live in Leeds after beating off competition from hundreds of others to join the chorus. Auditions were rare as it was a "one in one out system", according to Gladwyn, who is now spending her time teaching her other passion, the piano.

Gladwyn said: "I have been lucky to tour some beautiful cities such as Venice and Monte Carlo. My greatest moments were as the Nurse in Boris Goudonov, performing with Sir John Tomlinson at the London Proms and the Royal Opera House, and as the Housewife in Gloriana at the Aldeburgh festival.

"I'm hoping to do some more teaching now I've retired, I've always enjoyed helping children with music projects."

Jane Bonner, company manager of Opera North, said: "She is one of our longest serving performers, a great character and a great actress. She is a brilliant person and a fantastic example of enthusiasm."