One of the problems that we face through the media attention that these artists receive is that there has been an awful lot of talk about opera and classical music being elite and being for an elitist group.

There are a lot of unseen elements to having a successful singing career.

The musical heritage of Yorkshire is deep and wide.

I do hope that our spring will be starting shortly and we will all be able to enjoy some sunshine again.

Nobody inspired me more than Julie Andrews, who is a classically trained soprano herself.

I also have to support my speaking voice by sitting in a way that engages the diaphragm in the way I would for singing.

My mum used to say to me, 'Spit on yer 'ands and take a fresh 'old.' Keep going even if you have setbacks.