MEMBERS of an Ilkley opera company are singing with joy after finding a temporary new home to rehearse in.

The 20 members of Yorkshire OperaShop, run by former international soprano Pamela Cotton, agreed to vacate their former rehearsal studio in Pegholme Mills, Ilkley Road, Otley, after businesses in the complex complained about the noise.

As the deadline for leaving loomed closer and closer Bradford and Ilkley Community College authorities stepped in with an offer of a temporary solution.

Last weekend Yorkshire OperaShop members moved their equipment into a new rehearsal room at Ilkley College which they will use until next August.

Ms Cotton said: "We are delighted to have found somewhere but with the college closing we will not be there that long."

Yorkshire OperaShop puts on around four performances a year of excerpts from the major operas and also rehearses at St John's Hall, St Johns Church, Bolling Road, Ben Rhydding.

Ms Cotton, of Crossbeck Road, Ilkley, has sung major roles for the English National Opera, Scottish Opera and won the Vaughan Williams scholarship to study under Pavarotti's teacher, Campo Galliani, in Italy, before joining the National Opera Company of Sweden.

When she retired from singing in 1985 she began teaching and formed Yorkshire OperaShop with the aim of introducing and promoting opera and classical music in the region. She believes in the power of the arts and music to bring people together.

But one drawback to the move to Ilkley College is that Ms Cotton will be forced to sell the company's grand piano which will not fit into the new room. And after the college closes in May, Yorkshire OperaShop will have to be on the move again by August to make room for the developers to move in.

Ms Cotton said she hoped someone in the Ilkley area may have a new venue to offer the company. Anyone who can help should ring her on 01943 603490.

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