Lesley Garrett hits the right note at Wesley Centre event

The intimate evening featured songs interspersed with stories on her 30-year career at the top of the classical music world.

Lesley was accompanied by pianist Anna Tilbrook.

Lesley Garrett’s career has spanned performances on opera stages throughout the world, alongside West End musicals, concert tours, Strictly Come Dancing, her own BBC television series for many years.

Paul Emberley, development lead for the Wesley Centre said: “We were thrilled to welcome Lesley and Anna to the Wesley Centre, fresh on the heels of Julian Lloyd Webber.

“The evening was spectacular, and finished with standing ovations from a very appreciative audience.

“Lesley has a close affinity to what we’re planning in Malton.

“She lives in the village of Epworth, a stone’s throw from the Old Rectory where John Wesley the founder of Methodism was brought up, together with his brother Charles, the hymn writer.”

The Wesley Centre has launched a £1m appeal to regenerate its large Grade II* listed building to secure its future with plans to equip it – not only as a place of worship in the 21st century – but as a community hub and high-end concert hall and performance space.