OPERA stars Bryn Terfel and Rebecca Evans will perform the Welsh National anthem at Chepstow Racecourse for the first time next Saturday.

The two friends will make their debut by performing to a crowd of more than 10,000 at the Welsh Grand National on December 27.

The National, worth £100,000 in prize money, is Wales’ biggest race meeting and is popular with racing fans as well as groups of friends and family looking for a day out.

It was racing fan Rebecca Evans who was first approached by Chepstow Racecourse to sing at the event.

She said: “We thought it would be a good idea so I asked Bryn too.

“Singing in the cold will be hard, it’s hard on the vocal cords, but of course it is a massive honour to sing the anthem.

“But even more important than that is that the charities get recognition.

“This even could make a massive difference to the charities.” She added.

Both Bryn Terfel and former nurse Ms Evans have chosen charities the Welsh Air Ambulance and Ty Hapus, which offers day support for people with Alzheimer’s disease as well as other dementias.

Chepstow’s Executive Director Phil Bell said: “We are honoured that Bryn and Rebecca have agreed to sing the national anthem at this year’s Coral Welsh Grand National.

“To have two high profile international stars centre stage just before the horses jump off will create a very special atmosphere.”