A NEW all-Wales singing competition holds a special place in the heart of its Pembrokeshire founder.

Milford Haven Music Festival's inaugural young opera singer of the year competition is hosted in tribute to Douglas Rees, husband of festival founder June Rees MBE.

Mr Rees ran the Pembrokeshire family business - Fred Rees Garages Skoda - for many years, and the company is now funding this new talent hunt.

Preliminary auditions, open to singers born or studying in Wales, were held in Cardiff in June and five budding young opera singers were chosen to battle it out for the first prize of £2,000 plus the winner’s crystal trophy.

The final is being held on Saturday, September 2, at St Katharine’s Church, Milford Haven.

The talented finalists are Sioned Llewelyn (soprano), Rhodri Prys Jones (tenor), Lucy Mellors (soprano), Emyr Wyn Jones (bass-baritone) and Eirlys Myfanwy Jones (mezzo soprano).

The final will be judged by a panel of international opera stars, chaired by the former head of the National Opera Studio in London – Baritone, Donald Maxwell with Soprano, Camilla Roberts & Baritone, Gary Griffiths.

Official accompanist is Caradog Williams, and the evening will be presented by Beverley

Humphreys of BBC Radio Wales, and supported by the Haverfordwest Male Voice Choir.

Festival Founder and chairman, June Rees, said: “Wales has a great history of singing competitions and I’m thrilled our festival has now contributed to such an historical musical culture.

"It’s very poignant for me to remember my husband, Douglas in this way.

"Singing holds a place in my heart and to know that we are helping young singers on their journey into the profession is very fulfilling and rewarding.

"I wish all the finalists the very best of luck!”

Tickets for the event are available at milfordhavenmusicfestival.co.uk/booking or by calling Ticket

Source on 0333 666 3366.