DELEGATES at a World Cup-themed networking event got more than they bargained for after they were treated to a surprise performance from an international opera star.

Rossendale tenor Sean Ruane wowed guests at the session of ‘Meet and Eat In The Valley’ when he performed a rousing rendition of Nessun Dorma.

The song, one of the best-known tenor arias of all time, was made famous by Luciano Pavarotti and became the soundtrack for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Sean also performed his own version of the song, which was used in the film ‘One Night In Turin’.

Guests also received an impromptu singing lesson, before accompanying Sean for an encore.

Les Nutter, managing partner at Cassons Chartered Accountants, said: “Sean’s surprise performance quite literally took people’s breath away.

“Nessun Dorma is synonymous with Italia 90, so to hear it performed live set the tone perfectly for our World Cup-themed event.

“It was a fantastic event.”

‘Meet and Eat In The Valley’ is a quarterly networking event for businesses, run in conjunction with Cassons Chartered Accountants, Viva PR, and the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.