THE cool tones of a young Gwent women singing the intricate Welsh Cerdd Dant will resound around the globe as Rowan Williams is enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury on February 27.

Dr Williams picked Rachel Grey, 20, pictured, daughter of Brynmawr vicar Reverend Richard Grey, to sing in the uniquely Welsh manner, where poetry is sung in counter-melody to a harp.

As she prepared to return to college in Lincoln where she is taking a drama degree, Rachel said: "I am absolutely delighted that I have been picked - although I have to admit when Dad phoned to break the news, I gulped.

"The Cerdd Dant takes about three-and-a-half minutes and comes in the middle of the enthronement ceremony. When I found out about this I had just come back from church. I am absolutely thrilled to be picked to sing before such a distinguished audience."

In addition to singing, Rachel plays the flute, piano, double bass and recorder while her dancing skills range from ballet to tap and Appalachian country dance. In 1994 she toured Hong Kong and Taipei with the National Youth Music Theatre's production, Pendragon.

Reverend Grey said: "I have been friendly with Rowan for more than 20 years. I was driving him up to Brynmawr in October this year when the subject of someone to sing at his enthronement came up and Rachel's name was mentioned."

Mum Shani added: "I am very proud."

Harpist Bethan Walters, 15, daughter of the vicar of Pontarddulais, who is also a friend of Dr Williams, will accompany Rachel.