CROOME Court, former home of the Earls of Coventry, will provide the setting for the return of Pavilion Opera to Worcestershire in May.

The company, which celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, will perform Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffman on Thursday, May 25.

The cast perform in full costume in the round with piano accompaniment and the performance is aiming to raise money for St Richard's Hospice.

Event organiser Richard Spalding said: "This is the third year running that Pavilion Opera have visited Worcestershire and they always staged a magnificent performance.

"We are very grateful to Laurence and Cindy Bilton who have generously allowed their home to be used for the performance.

"We expect strong demand for the limited ticket numbers so would encourage people to book early."

Tickets at £75, which are available from Richard Spalding on 01905 28460, include a reception in the Great Hall, the opera performance in the Saloon and Pavilion Opera's programme for 2006.