A BOLTON drama society has paid tribute to an opera singer and actor who has died aged 100.

Members of New Rosemere AOS spoke of their sadness after hearing of the death of Thomas Round.

Mr Round is best known for his performances in the tenor roles of the Savoy Operas and in grand opera.

He was an Honourary Life member of New Rosemere for the past 12 years.

New Rosemere’s chairman Hannah Carolan said: "It’s really sad to hear of Tom’s death but he had a great life and Rosemere is proud to have shared in a small part of it."

Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Mr Round started his career as a policeman in Lancashire before joining the RAF.

After the war he joined the famous D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and gained an international reputation, culminating in an appearance before the Queen in 1958 at The Royal Command Performance.

During the company’s visits to Bolton, they teamed up with New Rosemere as a backing choir to appear at the Victoria Hall in 1981.

In his later years, he and his wife Alice, were regular visitors to Rosemere’s shows at the Albert Halls, going backstage after performances to meet the cast.