Theatre goers in north Pembrokeshire will now be able to enjoy live streamed world-class opera and ballet thanks to the generous donation of a former Fishguard boy, now living in the Big Apple.

Alun Davies was born and educated in Fishguard. He went on to have a highly successful career in publishing in London and New York, where he recently retired.

His brother worked as a projectionist in Theatr Gwaun and he credits the venue as an important part of his boyhood.

"Before TV and on the internet the cinema in Fishguard was part of the social life of the town and one went religiously twice a week regardless of what was playing," he said.

"I heard my first concert in the cinema and my first (filmed) opera) there and I feel privileged to help support its continued health."

After visiting Theatr Gwaun last year, he gave the venue a gift of funding, enabling it to live- stream opera and ballet from the Royal Opera House for the next three years.

He says the donation is a tribute to two Fishguard teachers who took him under their wing; "a small token of gratitude towards them and Fishguard for such a great start in life".

Richard Goswell chairman of the Theatr Gwaun Community Trust said the donation was "an amazing opportunity".

"We probably would not ever have taken the risk of showing opera and ballet if we had not got this financial support," he said.

"Alun wants us to get as many youngsters as possible involved. He wants people to get the opportunity to come to the theatre and see opera, maybe for the first time in their lives."

The season will begin with The Royal Opera's live production of Verdi's tragic masterpiece, Il Trovatore, on Tuesday, January 31.

It continues on February 8 with a live screening The Royal Ballet's critically acclaimed ballet Wolf Works inspired by the writings of Virginia Woolf.

For more information and to book tickets visit www.theatrgwaun.com and www.roh.org.uk/cinema