Pupils from three Bradford schools have been given a crash course in opera singing.

Opera North composer Kate Pearson and actress Nicki Unwin visited Tong School to give the 14- and 15-year-old students a few tips in performing the musical art form.

The pair soon had the group singing in Italian and acting out scenes from Puccini's La Bohme in preparation for a visit to see the opera performed by the company at Leeds Grand Theatre tonight.

Thirty pupils picked from Yorkshire Martyrs' Catholic College, Buttershaw High School and Wyke Manor School were invited to yesterday's session.

Today it will be the turn of pupils from Tong School, Bradford Cathedral Community College and the Grange School in Wibsey.

Lawrie Prowse, lead co-ordinator for the Gifted and Talented project for Bradford South which arranged the visit, said: "Most of the children have never seen an opera before so it is quite exciting for them.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to gain an insight into opera."Pictured getting in tune are, from left, Liam Fitzpatrick, Samantha Lawler and Matthew Binns.