FIRST it was singing stardom, now it's a spell in the limelight cooking up a culinary delight.

When she became a nun Sister Teresa Lenane never dreamt she would ever release an album or appear as a guest on television's Ready Steady Cook.

But now both have come true for the Newport-born nun, who had not even heard of the programme until the day before she was to appear in the famous kitchen with Ainsley Harriott.

She was invited on to the show, with Sister Diana Impey, as part of the publicity for the convent's CD, released in March.

She said: "I sat down to watch it with my mother in Allt-yr-yn the night before to see what it was all about.

"I had a marvellous time and Ainsley Harriott was such a nice man. He even gave me a set of sharp knives for the convent."

Since joining her order in 1974, Sister Teresa has dedicated her life to helping the community with her fellow sisters - The Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre in Essex. She described how the nuns were persuaded into a recording studio after their singing was heard.

"My cousin visits me often and he knew that we sang our prayers three times a day so he suggested we make a CD - but at first we refused," said Teresa Lenane.

"Eventually we realised that it could raise some money for our sisters working in Africa and also raise awareness about what we do."

German recording giants Deutsche Gramophone signed them up and brought them into a recording studio.

The result was the release of Eternal Light, and the 20 Canonesses were sent on a publicity tour, including shows like Richard and Judy, GMTV, the Gloria Hunniford TV show and even the Brits awards.

Born in Christchurch, Newport, in 1949, Teresa Lenane taught drama for five years at St Joseph's RC School.

She said: "But I always felt that God wanted me to work in the community as a sister. "I now spend most of my time working in East London helping people with health matters or education or befriending refugees.

"I am also a praying presence in the community."

Sister Teresa added: "I try to visit Newport at least once a month to see my mother. "Christmas for me will be a family affair, my Chelmsford family, and a few members of the community who would usually be alone on Christmas day."

See Sister Teresa on Ready Steady Cook on BBC2 on Monday at 4.30pm.