A former Keighley man is playing the challenging title role in a prestigious production of a Mozart opera.

Paul Nilon has performed many times previously with the acclaimed professional company Opera North.

He is helping the Leeds-based company celebrate its 25th birthday with its first staging of Mozart's Idomeneo.

The opera, based on a Greek myth, is considered particularly demanding for singers and audiences alike.

Paul, a former Holy Family School student, was one of several experienced Opera North performers seen as ideal for the production. Paul, whose mother Rhoda lives in Bracken Bank, was destined for singing success even as a young boy.

He regularly won music competitions, in one year taking home almost 30 cups and shields.

Paul took a four-year course at the Royal Northern College of Music, in Manchester, and also studied under the great British tenor Sir Peter Pears.

He started his professional career with the touring company Opera 85, singing Don Ottavio in Mozart's famous Don Giovanni.

Since then Paul, pictured, has taken many roles with leading companies such as English National Opera and Welsh National Opera. He has also performed in Italy, with the New Israeli Opera and on BBC TV in L'incoronazione di Poppea.

Paul's concert appearances have taken him to Florence, Paris and London's Royal Festival Hall.

Idomeneo will be presented at the Grand Theatre, Leeds, on February 27 and March 1. Tickets can be booked on 0113 222-6222. The production is also touring to cities across the North.