Care home residents were moved to tears during an unforgettable performance by an aspiring opera star.

Residents and staff at Pendine Park’s Bryn Bella care home in Wrexham danced and sang along as Flint mezzo soprano Rhian-Carys Jones belted out an eclectic mix of songs.

She performed everything from Abba to Elvis to Whitney Houston, beloved Welsh hymn Calon Lȃn and stirring opera classics.

The event was held as part of a series of special celebrations to mark Pendine Park’s 40th anniversary.

Resident Julia Beavan said she was blown away by the singer, adding: “I would love to be able to sing like this, she makes it look so effortless.

“I love music, and these songs are very evocative. One song has reminded me of my little niece, another of my mother. Music brings back a lot of memories for me.”

More than 20 residents and staff attended the home’s Seren lounge for the musical performance.

Activities Co-ordinator Elaine Lee said that everyone had enjoyed listening to the beautiful voice of Rhian-Carys.

She added: “Our residents all love musical performances. It has been a while since we had an opera singer here and she has wowed us all. She really does have a beautiful voice.

“It’s been fantastic and we have all really enjoyed ourselves. You can see the happy reactions in residents, and you can see even in residents who are non-verbal that they recognise the songs and are having a great time.”

Sarah Edwards, Pendine Park’s consultant artist-in-residence, said: “Our residents love to engage with live music and it really helps to enhance their well-being.

“We were approached by Rhian-Carys so we invited her in to sing for us as we knew she would be a real hit with our residents.

“She is a fantastic singer with prestigious qualifications and we are truly honoured to have her singing here for us as part of our 40th year celebrations. It was a wonderful performance and she definitely has a bright future ahead of her.”

Rhian-Carys was delighted with the response to her hour-long performance. She said: “Everybody got involved and really enjoyed themselves which was so lovely to see.

“I also work as a senior home carer so I know how special music can be to home residents and those with disabilities.

“Seeing people happy and enjoying my performance is magical. If what I do makes people happy then I am happy.”

The 24-year-old has twice performed with renowned Welsh bass-baritone opera and concert singer Sir Bryn Terfel, leaving her ‘star-struck’ on both occasions.

She has been studying at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff for the past six years, and her budding singing career is going from strength-to-strength as she has now been offered a place at the prestigious David Seligman opera school in Cardiff starting at the end of this month.

Rhian-Carys said: “This is an incredible opportunity that will allow me to refine my skills and take the next step in my career.”

Due to the significant costs involved in the programme Rhian-Carys has set up a Go Fund Me appeal to help cover part of her tuition fees.

To support her you can visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/david-seligman-opera-school-fees