WELSH opera sensation Katherine Jenkins is being urged to bring her own summer music festival to Newport.

The 25-year-old star and her team are looking at suitable sites, along the M4 corridor, to hold the two-day "KathFest".

Possible venues are likely to include Tredegar House and Park, which hosted the National Eisteddfod in 2004.

South Wales East AM Laura Anne Jones urged Katherine to consider Tredegar House and Park.

"It would be an absolutely perfect venue, I can't think of anywhere better," she said.

The city's transport links and the success of the Eisteddfod two years ago meant it should be at the top of the star's list, said Miss Jones.

Local councillor Trevor Watkins, who is a great fan, said Tredegar House would be ideal if organisers came to an agreement with the city council.

He said: "I would like to see it come here, it would encourage local talent. Tredegar House is a marvellous venue."

Councillor Watkins said the festival would be a massive boost to the local economy.

The final line-up for the festival is still to be finalised but organisers are promising "a star-studded cast of international singers and performers", and said it will celebrate the arts "in all senses of the word".

Katherine, from Neath, is the biggest-selling female classical artist after notching up record sales of 1.5 million in barely two years and regularly leads the singing of the national anthem before Wales rugby matches at the Millennium Stadium.

She is also seen as 'the forces' sweetheart', entertaining troops in Iraq last Christmas.