TOP opera singer Lynne Dawson will return to the place which inspired her professional career when she performs Handel's Messiah in York Minster on Saturday.

The soprano, who sang at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, is taking part in the BT Voices for Hospices event in the Minster to help our Hospice 2000 Appeal.

St Leonard's Hospice fundraising manager Janet Morley said she was especially pleased when Lynne offered to take part.

"That was lovely," she said. "All the soloists are giving their services free of charge, as are John Bryan (conductor) and the York Chamber Orchestra."

Lynne was in the Minster to be filmed for Yorkshire TV's Tonight programme, when she was interviewed by Celebrity Friend of St Leonard's Cy Chadwick.

During a break she told the Evening Press how pleased she was to be singing for the hospice.

"It's an enormously worth-while cause, which has to be supported by voluntary contributions," she said.

It was also good to be back in York, and not just so her children could attend the rehearsal.

"It's always nice to sing in the Minster, it's extremely beautiful.

"Probably the reason I sing is that when I worked in York for Rowntree Mackintosh I joined the Chapter House Choir which rehearsed in the Minster.

"It's certainly as a result of singing in that choir that I sing professionally, all because of the quality of the director, Andrew Carter."

She said: "The Messiah happens to be one of those pieces that I have done many times - in fact I have recorded it five times."

Cy Chadwick spoke of his backing for the hospice. "I have been round St Leonard's, and felt the atmosphere and the level of care that people get there."

He said the Tonight piece, to be broadcast at 5.30pm on Friday, would preview Saturday's event, and reflect on the success of the last Voices for Hospices event in the Minster three years ago.

"The people of York haven't let them down before, and I'm sure they will show their support again," he said.

The event, to be introduced by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, will start at 7.30pm on Saturday, with a rehearsal for singers from 11am to 1.55pm on the day.

The cost is £7.50 each (£5 concessions). For more information call the hospice fundraising centre on 01904 781576.