A LLANGYFELACH funeral director hopes to put that career to rest when he begins training with renowned tenor Dennis O'Neill.

Matthew Sims is set to take his place at the Wales Academy Of Voice, which will be declared open by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on Saturday. And a fundraising concert goes ahead tomorrow, to help him cover a year of his fees.

The fundraiser, at Onllwyn Welfare Hall will feature Matthew, who joined the Welsh National Youth Opera at the age of 15, as well as Onllwyn Male Voice Choir.

Matthew, who works at Green Willow Funerals in Cardiff, said: "It is an amazing opportunity. The idea is to help young singers bridge the gap from amateur to professional."

Morriston Ladies Choir will put their weight behind Matthew's training too, with another fundraiser planned by them on July 8 at Capel y Cwm, in Bonymaen.

The Dame will cut the ribbon on the University of Wales Trinity Saint David International Academy of Voice at St David's Hall in Cardiff.

The academy will provide advanced voice coaching to young professional opera singers in the early stages of their careers under the tutelage of the feted tenor Mr O'Neill.