Opera North star Rachel Mosley is to sing at a special concert to mark the life of Bedale Baronet Sir Henry Beresford Peirse in the town's St Gregory’s Church.

It has been arranged by Sir Henry’s family and friends to help raise money towards the £300,000 needed for refurbishment of the church.

Sir Henry, the 6th Baronet, whose family have been involved with the town since the 16th century died suddenly last year aged 79.

His widow Lady Jadranka said: "We thought it was important to remember Henry in this his home town. He did a lot for the community and I know many people remember him with great affection and of course we miss him all the time.

"For 140 years, members of the family were rectors of the parish and Henry was patron of the church, a duty he took seriously.

"So we felt raising money for St Gregory's would be an excellent way of remembering him and one Henry would very much approve of. We have been so lucky to get Rachel Mosley to sing at the concert.”

The concert on February 21 starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10, payable at the door.