A SINGER is to receive an award for his dedication to music dating back more than 50 years.

Michael Rowntree, an amateur tenor singer, began singing in public at Stockton Parish Church aged only six.

Today, he will receive an award for his 40 years' membership of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association.

Mr Rowntree, 61, who recently sold his newsagents shop in Dovecot Street, Stockton, said: "Music is a thread that ran right through my life. I joined the national operatic association by chance really. I had sung at Durham Cathedral one day and, years later, I was working in London.

"This woman I was working with said she remembered me from that concert, even though I could not remember her.

"She asked me to join and I have been a member ever since. I do not go in for solos any more, though. These days I keep my head down in the chorus."

Mr Rowntree, who lives off Yarm Road, between Stockton and Eaglescliffe, will be presented with his membership award tonight during rehearsals of Teesside Opera Nova's forthcoming production of Offenbach's Tales of Hoffmann, to be performed at Middlesbrough Theatre in May.

To find out more about the production or to join the group, go to www.operanova.org.uk