An international opera singer, who grew up in Luton, is returning to home turf for a concert to raise cash for St Thomas' Church.

Tanya Kingham, whose title roles include Madama Butterfly, La Boheme, Aida and Tosca, will perform A Night At The Opera at the Stopsley church on Saturday, October 18.

The 28-year-old has appeared at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden and has travelled with them on tour in Israel.

Mum-of-two Tanya has also performed globally, singing in Tokyo, America, Italy, Berlin and Geneva to name a few.

But the former Putteridge High School student was happy to return to Stopsley to help out the local parish.

She said: "The church is close to my heart. I was christened and married there, and my parents are buried in the church grounds. My little boys were baptised there as well."

All proceeds from the concert will go to the church hall fund.

Tickets to the event cost £5, including refreshments, and are available from the parish office or on the door.