TO crown the Regent’s 30th anniversary celebrations, a packed house enjoyed an inspiring evening with the celebrated singer Aled Jones.

A regular presenter of the BBC’s Songs of Praise, he gave a stimulating selection of songs from his latest and incredibly 27th album.

Aled was accompanied by his musical director Simon Lole on keyboards and guitarist Peter Harris. Simon is ex-choirmaster and organist in Salisbury Cath-edral and currently choirmaster and organist at St Mary’s Church in Swanage.

Highlights of the programme were the Songs of Praise favourites Amazing Grace and My God.

On the lighter side were Hushabye Mountain from Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang and the Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.

A special treat was the appearance of Ringwood’s soprano, Catherine Smith and her superb singing of items from Phantom of The Opera, Les Miserables and Oliver.

She is also a member of of the Swish of The Curtain Theatre School. This was a concert to cherish.