SATURDAY was a day to remember for up-and-coming Newport soprano Holly Holyoake.
The talented former Duffryn High pupil followed in the footsteps of star Katherine Jenkins to lead the singing of the Welsh national anthem at the Millennium Stadium for Wales' final match of this season's Six Nations championship against France.
"I really enjoyed myself, it was brilliant," said the 18-year-old who attracted the notice of the music world last year after scooping a gold medal in the World Championships of the Performing Arts in the US.
"It was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and although I was nervous it didn't affect my performance - I find the nerves help to focus me," said Miss Holyoake.
The part-time bank worker is fast becoming a teenage singing sensation following the release of her first album last year.
And Miss Holyoake, who says she is a big fan of Ivor Novello, is gearing up to release a second album of songs soon.
She limbered up for her performance on Saturday by singing the national anthem before the Welsh under-21 team's match against France at Rodney Parade on Friday.
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