The album, which rocketed to number one in the classical charts within hours of being released last March, takes its title from the single word on

Fleetwood's coat of arms.

"There are sentimental reasons for using the title as Fleetwood is my home town, but it's a word that perfectly describes my approach to life," said Alfie, 33.

He is back in Fleetwood for a sell-out concert at the Marine Hall with Lancashire Sinfonietta on Saturday.

The youngest of nine children, Alfie dedicated Onward to Pat, whose painting of the crest appears on the album sleeve. In the text on the sleeve he says:

"I dedicate this album to her for all the encouragement and love she shows to me and all."

Shortlisted for the Classical Brit Awards, to be hosted by Myleene Klass at the Royal Albert Hall in May, final nominations are chosen by public vote.

Alfie said: "I am very pleased to be nominated for the Classical Brit album of the year, but I am up against some good performers.

"But I do hope that people in the Fylde will vote for their local lad!"

Pat is launching her own campaign to get him to the final nominations.

"I hope everyone in Fleetwood and the Fylde will vote for him. With a family the size of ours he should have a head start! As his wife Sarah is an American, hopefully he will be getting votes from the USA."

To cast your vote for Alfie, by the April 8, visit www.classicalbrits.co.uk/voting

Pat will put details of how to vote on every seat in the Marine Hall for Saturday's concert – a rare chance for local people to see him perform on home turf.

Alfie was propelled into the media spotlight with the release of Onward in March last year, taking his golden tenor voice to a wider audience.

Last year he got down to the final three in the best album award at the Brits, alongside Sir Paul McCartney and Sting!

His album La Passione was released at the end of the year – again winning huge acclaim.

The young singer was working as an apprentice at Blackpool's TVR car factory, when a customer heard him singing and pushed him to enter open auditions for D'Oyly Carte Opera Company.

Alfie won a place in the chorus and studied at the Royal College of Music and the National Opera Studio. He was on the Young Artistes Programme at the Royal Opera House when, after a two-year search for a tenor to play a lead in his controversial Broadway production of La Boheme, Baz Luhrmann discovered him.

Yesterday Alfie went back to his old school Cardinal Allen RC High, Fleetwood, for rehearsals. It was a warm-up with the Lancashire Sinfonietta for tomorrow's concert at the Marine Hall.

And there was a chance for youngsters all over the country to listen as the rehearsal was broadcast live on the internet.

Source: Blackpool Gazette