Sunday night’s concert at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre was one of the most inspiring I’ve seen for a long time.

Rebecca Newman is a young lady I’ve followed since her early days entertaining crowds in York City centre. She rose to the occasion on the theatre stage and won the audience with her warm presence. Rebecca was joined at times by a tenor, a local jazz singer, and a York-bred harpist on stage.

The variety of classical arias and popular tunes kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

“Ooh, this one’s my favourite,” I heard the lady next to me say, and it was mine too; in fact every song was.

Rebecca was accompanied throughout by a small orchestra of University of York students and a local pianist, making the sum of local talent considerable.

The evening was topped off when Rebecca presented a substantial cheque to Childline’s organiser, of money raised from her CDs.

The Barnsley lass told us a story that brought home how much this gift would mean, yet managed to leave us roaring with laughter.

The final ovation Rebecca received was a fitting tribute to the pioneering spirit and outstanding talent in our city.

Peter Ashton, Beckfield Lane, York