NHS dentist to release covers album

An NHS dentist and part-time opera singer has won a record deal for an album of pop covers.

Andrew Bain's debut release, expected in September, will feature The Smiths' 'How Soon Is Now?', 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol and Abba's 'The Winner Takes It All'.

Record label SonyBMG offered Bain a deal after he sent in a recording of Prince's 'Purple Rain'.

The singer said: "This is the ultimate dream come true. Not only have I finally got a record deal, but they understand my eclectic taste in music. Who needs yet another version of 'Nessun Dorma'?

"Opera really was the pop music of its day, so I feel that mixing this style with the pop songs of today is a natural progression, despite what the critics might say."