SEVEN Newport rising stars have been chosen to perform in the Only Kids Aloud Choir at the Wales Millennium Centre.

In 2012 Wales Millennium Centre teamed up with Only Men Aloud’s Musical Director Tim Rhys Evans to form a joint choir of youngsters across Wales aged between nine and 13 to form the 2013/14 choir.

Over the past month auditions were held country-wide and this week Wales Millennium Centre are pleased to announce the 70 children chosen to represent Wales in this new choir, seven of which are from in and around Newport.

The youngsters will also have the opportunity tossing in Cape Town Opera in South Africa next April during cultural celebrations to mark 20 years of democracy in the Rainbow Nation.

Tim Rhys Evans said “We’ve been up and down the country auditioning over 400 children.

“The talent which came through the doors was exceptional and we've had a difficult job shortlisting to 70.

“We're very much looking forward to an exciting year with our new Only Kids Aloud Chorus."

The following children from the Newport area have been selected to sing in the choir; Alice Mee Bishop , of Oakdale; Ysabelle Morgan-Clason , of Ridgeway; Xavier Morgan-Clason, of Ridgeway; Owen Parsons, of Glasllwch; Samuel James , of Blackwood; Carys Lloyd of Bargoed ; and Kelly Shorthouse , of Cwmbran.

Steve Williams, Creative Learning Officer at Wales Millennium Centre said: “Although plans for the choir are strictly under wraps for now, I can tell you that we have a very exciting and bumper year ahead for the children.

“Wales Millennium Centre is really looking forward to welcoming the new members to the choir and working with them in the months ahead.”

Plans for the Wales Millennium Centre / Only Kids Aloud Chorus will be announced shortly.