ONE of Britain's finest singers performed an intimate concert last night in the North-East town that taught him how to sing.

It was the inspiration he received from the late Dennis Weatherley that led a young Thomas Allen, now Sir Thomas, to a prolific career in opera.

Last night he returned to the venue of those lessons, Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, for the first time in 40 years to perform before a sell-out crowd.

The Seaham-born singer first met Mr Weatherley when he taught physics and gave music lessons at Ryhope Grammer School. But when Mr Weatherley moved to Bishop Auckland to become the first headmaster of the combined grammar school, now King James I Community College, he travelled to the town to keep up the music lessons.

It was those fond memories that brought Sir Thomas to Auckland Castle last night, to perform for Bishop Auckland Music Society's 200 members and followers.

He said: "I was brought up in the area and still have friends and family here, so I'm always keen to return.

"Someone said to me he felt like a stick of rock with County Durham printed right through him. That's how I feel.

"To give a concert in Auckland Castle is wonderful. I have a great many fond memories of my visits here."

Sir Thomas last night hailed Mr Weatherley, who was a well known performer himself, as one of the main reasons he has become so successful.

"Dennis was a wonderful man. He was very talented and gave me a great deal of advice and help in my teenage years, not only as a tutor but a friend."

The concert, which sold out months ago, was a coup for the music society. Chairman Dr John Foulds said: "It is marvellous to think Sir Thomas was at Covent Garden the night before he performed for us at Auckland Castle."