EAST Riding singer Amy Black has made an emotional return to the region five months after undergoing major heart surgery.

A packed audience was there to witness her comeback concert, held in Beverley.

There were tears in the audience at Toll Gavel Methodist Church as the mezzo-soprano singer performed songs such as You'll Never Walk Alone, and Amazing Grace.

Hedon-born Amy said: "This was my first performance since March and I really enjoyed it..

"There were friends and relatives and a lot of familiar faces, but there was also quite a few new faces."

Routine tests last year revealed Amy had a bicuspid aortic heart valve, meaning the valve that pumps blood away from the heart has only two holes instead of the usual three.

In June, she underwent an operation at the Royal Brompton Hospital in Chelsea.

Surgeons found the problem was worse than expected.

Amy had her aortic valve replaced with a pig's valve and 65 per cent of aorta taken away.

She said: "Most people commented after the concert that my voice was bigger, brighter and stronger.

"It felt easier for me as well especially with my breath control.

"Although it did feel better I am going to still take it easy before Christmas. I've been through a lot and can't push it too much."