AN opera singer from Kempsey is hoping to become the voice of choice in a competition to find the best classical singer in the country.

Stephen Grice has been singing since he joined Trinity Church, Old Hill, near Halesowen, when he was only three.

Since then he has continued singing but only in recent years did he begin to develop his talent and take exams.

"I've always been involved in music but it has mainly been from the business side," said Mr Grice who owns Cranes Music in Worcester and music schools in Kidderminster, Malvern, Droitwich and Worcester.

He decided to take up singing lessons in 1998 with Stephen Shellard, a countertenor and lay clerk of Worcester Cathedral Choir.

Since then, the 46-year-old has gained a distinction in the Grade Eight Associated Board exam and is working on a Trinity College recital diploma, which he hopes to pass next year.

Mr Grice, from Bannut Hill, found out about the Voice of Choice competition - run by digital TV and internet broadcaster Digital Classics - from a friend and decided to enter.

"This is the first time I've done anything like this," he said.

All entrants had to provide video footage of themselves singing, and the finalists have had their clip posted on the company's website, www.onlineclassics.com

Mr Grice is one of five finalists in the baritones and basses category.

In his clip he sings an extract from Vaughan-Williams' Love Bade Me Welcome.

"We made a really good digital recording but we had to use a video clip and the quality wasn't as good so I was a little disappointed," he said.

"But we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

People can download the clips on the website or watch the entries on Digital Classic TV, channel 464, until the end of today.

Voting is open until Sunday, December 16, and votes can be registered online or by phone at a number provided on the website.

The voice with most votes will have the chance to record a programme with Digital Classics.