A YOUNG soprano hoping to pursue a career in classical music has been invited to perform with a singing celebrity.

Charlotte Potter, from Guisborough, has been singing from a young age and is currently a sixth form student at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester.

The 18-year-old has been chosen to perform alongside soprano Lesley Garrett CBE at the Winding Wheel theatre in Chesterfield at the end of June.

The young singer received the phone call on New Year’s Eve asking to perform with the star on June 29.

Miss Potter said: “I am so excited about singing with Lesley in Chesterfield, I’m counting down the days.

"She’s been an idol of mine because she’s kept true to her roots and is really down-to-earth.

"I’ve read in an article that Lesley is ‘especially looking forward to singing with Charlotte Potter’ which is unreal."

Last year, Miss Potter heard Lesley sing at Huddersfield Town Hall and was invited to the VIP Reception afterwards.

Ms Garrett spent over half-an-hour talking to the student about singing and offering advice on her career pathway.

While a student at the National Opera Studio, Ms Garrett sang with the Chesterfield Philharmonic Choir and their conductor, Steven Roberts.

She thought it would be a nice touch, 40 years on, to include a student at the start of their own musical career.

Miss Potter is currently a member of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain, the Tees Valley Youth Choir and the Samling Academy.

The aspiring singer has performed in venues across the UK and North-East including The Sage Gateshead, Royal Festival Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Durham Cathedral, Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

She has been a guest soloist at a number of North-East ensembles such as Durham Singers, Guisborough Choral Society, Honley MVC, Meltham Brass Band, Silverwood Band and Stockton Synthonia MVC

Following sixth form, Miss Potter has accepted a place to study Classical Voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, from September.

She added: "The Winding Wheel seats 850 people and ticket sales are going really well – my 83-year-old grandparents are travelling up from Gloucestershire for the concert which will be lovely.

"I’ve been asked to take a selection of gowns so I don’t clash with Lesley’s dresses and because she might want me to change dresses for the finale.”

To hear her sing, visit charlottepottersinger.com