WORCESTER'S answer to Tom Jones is planning to do a tribute concert at County Hall and donate the proceeds to Swan Rescue.

Peter Owen, who is custodian of the Countryside Centre at County Hall in Spetchley Road, auditioned earlier this month for a spot as Tom Jones on ITV's Stars in Their Eyes.

Although he is not due to appear in this autumn's series, he has been short-listed and asked to 'stand by' for next year's filming.

"It was a very tense time in the lead-up to the audition - I had to wait quite a while and when I went in, there were about 10 people watching me," said the 48-year-old.

"But they put the music on and I just went for it. You've got to believe in yourself, otherwise it's a waste of time. I would have liked to get through for this series but I am delighted with the result."

In the meantime, he is practising hard at being Tom Jones and plans to take his show on the road at weekends.

"I'm getting together a repertoire now and can't wait to get out there and strut my stuff," said Mr Owen.

"I'm buying a lot of backing tapes and working hard at learning all the words. Tributes are big business - especially Tom Jones."

Mr Owen said he would also do Johnny Mathis and Tony Christie at the tribute concert, the date of which is yet to be finalised.

"Anyone wanting to catch my act can catch me singing in the woods to the squirrels and the swans - I try it out on them first."