WELSH superstar Sir Tom Jones is to perform on the green, green grass of Durham County Cricket Club’s stadium.

The 71-year-old star has announced a two-hour openair concert on Saturday, July 14, at the Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, in Chester-le- Street.

Sir Tom, who was knighted in 2006, scored his first number one in 1965 with It’s Not Unusual and went on to have hits with the likes of Green, Green Grass Of Home, Delilah and Kiss.

The music legend has sold more than 100 million records over the past four decades and is currently a coach on new BBC1 talent show The Voice, alongside The Script frontman Danny O’Donoghue, pop sensation Jessie J, and The Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am.

The show is a ratings hit having won the 20-minute head-to-head clash last Saturday, with 9.6 million viewers compared to Britain’s Got Talent’s 7.6 million.

Sir Tom is the biggest name to play the Chester-le-Street venue since Sir Elton John’s date in June 2006 as part of an 11-date stadium tour, which attracted a crowd of 15,000 fans.

David Harker, Durham County Cricket Club’s chief executive, said Sir Tom is still the most sought-after artist when it comes to online ticket searches and encouraged fans to book early.

He said: “It’s not unusual for us to attract superstars from the world of sport but we are incredibly excited to welcome a global music superstar to Emirates Durham ICG.”

Other previous performers at the Cricket Club have included UB40 in July 2006 and Jamie Cullum in July 2005, who saw 5,000 jazz fans defy torrential rain.

Tickets costing £37.50 went on sale at 9am yesterday and can be purchased on 0844- 2491000 or online at eventim.

co.uk.

For disabled seating, call the Durham CCC box office on 0844-499-4466 or corporate hospitality boxes from £150 per person, call 0191-387- 2874.