OPERA singer Alexandra Lowe - who has just won a prestigious scholarship with the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation - will return to Bolton Abbey next weekend.

Following a successful concert last year, she will perform at the Priory Church next Saturday, August 8, with the proceeds going to the Boyle and Petyt School Foundation at nearby Beamsley.

It will be something of a "homecoming" for Alexandra as her manager, Carol Dawson, lives in Beamsley.

"I have been her manager since she was 17 (she is now 23) and I have always believed she will make it as a famous opera singer," said Carol.

And her protege is certainly heading in that direction.

She has just been awarded one of two newly-created Sarah Brightman Scholarships - the other went to tenor Alexander Grainger - for postgraduate studies at the Royal Northern College of Music.

It will help to fund a two-year Master of Music Programme, which will include masterclasses with leading performers, coaches and directors, world-class performance opportunities and varied professional experience with RNCM partners such as Opera North.

"It is crucial that proper training is available for the performers of the future," said Lord Lloyd Webber. "It fills me with great joy that my foundation can help Alexander and Alexandra fulfil their potential at RNCM and take vital steps towards a professional career."

Alexandra is a classically trained soprano from Lancashire. Born in Mallorca, she began singing at the age of 13 when she became a prominent member of Centre Stage Productions (Palma). Following her success in musical theatre, Alexandra turned to classical music and opera in 2008.

She started her classical training at the Junior Royal Northern College of Music and was awarded the Singer of the Year in 2011. She secured a scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music and she has just completed her Bachelor of Music degree with a first.

Through a series of annual concerts, she has raised more than £25,000 for charity and her beneficiaries have included Help for Heroes, Music in Hospitals, the Being Bel Trust and The Boyle and Petyt (School) Foundation.

For the Bolton Abbey concert, Alexandra will be joined by baritone Thomas Isherwood, mezzo soprano Hollie-Anne Bangham, violinist Joy Becker and pianist Simon Passmore.

The concert starts at 7.30pm and will be preceded by a champagne reception at Bolton Hall.

For further information and tickets, contact Carol on 01756 710258 or the priory office on 01756 710238.