YORKSHIRE Dales Opera is to give two extra performances of its last production, Puccini's La Boheme, as a tribute to its musical director and accompanist Alan Bloomfield.

All associated with the group were shocked when he died suddenly in July, shortly after they had presented the opera in Skipton and Embsay.

Mr Bloomfield was also organist at Embsay Church for many years.

The two shows are to be given in Grassington's Octagon Theatre on September 12, with tickets available from the national park centre in Hebden Road, Grassington, and two days later at Bentham Town Hall, with tickets available from the Sports Shop in Bentham.

Formerly known as Airedale Opera, the Yorkshire Dales Opera draws performers from a wide area, and all are quality singers.

Floreen Cairns plays Mimi, Rachel Van Heel is Musetta, and the male roles are taken by John Northrop (Marcello), Alan Parkinson (Rudolpho), Norman Fryer (Colline), David Rymer (Schaunard), Rod Hemingway (Benoit) and John Holding (waiter).

Chris Hague combines the duties of accompanist and Murger, the author.

The production is directed by Thelma Hebden, who is perhaps better known for her work with the Little Theatre in Skipton.