THE homeless becoming opera stars?

It sounds an unlikely scenario, but that could be the outcome if an ambitious project is successful.

The charity Steetwise Opera wants to encourage homeless people in Oxford to become involved in the arts.

They are being offered the chance to take part in workshops to learn how to sing and perform on stage.

If it takes off, the opera will be performed at New College later this year.

The charity, which has already staged a similar project at Westminster in London, believes that it will give homeless people better communication skills, build up their confidence and give them more purpose in life -- all laudable aims.

Another benefit might be to clear the city centre of some of our drunks and beggars.