HELEN Shapiro, who shot to fame in the 60s at the age of 14, sang in Pontypool to a packed house.

The international star, who has been going strong since 1961, performed a Gospel Outreach at Mount Pleasant Welsh Revival Centre, Hanbury Road, on Saturday, May 19.

The highly respected jazz singer has performed with the likes of Humphrey Lyttelton and his band from 1983 to 2001.

In August 1987, she became a committed believer in Jesus and in 1989 she held the first of many Gospel Evenings.

The organisers of the evening were the Weinfelin Area Regeneration Project and Churches Together Pontypool.

One of the organisers, Arthur Crane, said: "351 people turned up. It was much bigger than we thought.

"We had hoped it would attract a large audience but it outdid our expectations."

The Gospel Outreach included a selection of worship songs, following Helen's story of finding faith in Jesus and of course the ever popular Walking Back to Happiness.

Mr Crane added: "Helen was lovely. Her voice has matured with age, and watching people's reactions, they were moved by the powerful performance."

After the performance Helen told the Free Press: "I would like to thank Arthur Crane and his team for inviting me to Pontypool. It was my first visit to your town and I was very pleased that so many people came to the Outreach. I hope it won't be too long before I can make a return visit."