An internationally renowned opera star is set to return to his hometown for a charity concert.

Leigh-born tenor, Joe Shovelton, will perform at St Joseph’s Hall on December 1 to help raise funds for the town’s last remaining theatre.

Mr Shovelton, who has entertained audiences worldwide and performed for the late Queen and Rod Stewart, will take the stage for an afternoon of live music and conversation, accompanied by a cream tea and a glass of fizz.

The opera star, who was born in Leigh’s Firs Maternity Home, left the town at 18 to study at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

He became a principal at the New D’Oyly Carte Opera Company before moving to Opera North.

His illustrious career has seen him perform at the British Embassy in Yangon, on the banks of the Nile in Cairo, in the Grand Ballroom at the Waldorf Astoria in New York, and London’s Albert Hall.

Despite his international acclaim, Mr Shovelton is excited about his homecoming to the place where his musical journey began at the age of seven.

He said: "I made my debut at St Joseph’s Hall in the pantomime, Humpty Dumpty, and I got the bug.

"I have always been incredibly grateful for that."

The concert, organised by St Joseph’s Players, aims to generate funds to save the venue, which has been their home for the past century.

Deterioration during the pandemic has left the hall in need of urgent repairs.

Mr Shovelton added: "The hall has played a huge role in our lives, and if I can help to save it, I will be proud and delighted."

Tickets for the concert, priced at £20 each, can be booked online by searching for 'Ticketsource St Joseph’s Players' or via telephone on 07907 880308.

The event begins at 2pm.