A RENOWNED Welsh tenor will return to perform at the annual Gwent Police Choir concert in Newport next month.

Haverfordwest-born Timothy Richards, who has performed across Europe, will appear as the guest artist at the event on Saturday, September 23.

In 1994 he won two scholarships to study at the Royal Northern College of Music and, within a couple of years, was singing leading roles on some of the best stages on the continent.

It will also prove to be family affair when Mr Richards walks out on the stage, as his sister Nicola Coker will also be playing.

Mrs Coker, the choir’s accompanist, also serves as the head teacher at High Cross Primary School which has a 90-strong choir and an orchestra of 11 - both of which are still growing.

Both siblings will be playing under the direction of Rodger Appleby, who has been the choir’s musical director since 1994.

Formed in 1969, when it was made up of serving officers and civilian staff, the choir ‘s main aim is to raise money for charities.

Over the past 48 years, the group has played at numerous prestigious venues including Salisbury Cathedral, the Royal Albert Hall and in front of Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Gwent.

The concert will take place at St Julian’s Methodist Church in Caerleon Road, from 7pm, with tickets costing £10.

For more information, call Phil Humphreys on 01633 718415 or Stuart Ashdown on 01633 272883.