A TALENTED six-year-old has been chosen to appear in a popular opera which is coming to the region next month.

The London City Opera is performing Madame Butterfly at Darlington Civic Theatre as part of a nationwide tour.

And Callum Batkin, from Norton, near Stockton, has been chosen from children who train at the Stagecoach Drama School, to appear in the production.

Sue Wilson, of Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre, said: "We contacted Stagecoach for a young boy to play the part of three-year-old Madame Butterfly's son.

"Local children will be chosen to play the role from each venue that the opera group visits.

"Callum is very excited at the prospect of appearing in front of so many people in Darlington," she said.

His grandmother, Doreen Brown, said: "Callum has always been interested in the stage, not in sport, and has been at Stagecoach for a year.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for him and we are very pleased."

Callum will be performing with London City Opera on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 10 and 11, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost between £10.50 and £18.50 and discounts are available.

To book tickets and for further information, call (01325) 486555.