OPERA singer Sean Ruane has announced a new show on January 29 in his native Rossendale after he was forced to postpone the second of two concerts because of illness.

Sean developed a throat infection following the first of the two concerts at Bacup's Royal Court Theatre.

The problem was so severe that the singer was left with no option but to call the second performance off.

But organisers have acted quickly to re-arrange the concert for Sunday, January 29, 2006. They also spent Sunday trying to contact as many people as possible with news of the postponement. In the end only around 50 of the more than 400 ticket holders turned up at the theatre.

A spokesperson for Sean said: "Sean was bitterly disappointed to let people down at such short notice but he was simply unable to perform.

"There was absolutely no option but to postpone the show.

"When the decision was made we tried to contact as many people as possible to inform them - and also made the news known on local radio.

"In the end only a fraction of the anticipated 400 plus audience arrived at the theatre.

"Obviously they were disappointed when they heard the news but they were also remarkably understanding. We have rearranged the concert for the earliest possible available date."

Tickets for Sunday's cancelled show will be valid for the new date. Refunds will be available to anyone unable to attend. For more information contact Louise on 07814483679.