OPERA singers will no longer have to get rained on, after planning permission was given to extend a performance pavilion near Stokenchurch.

This year will be the fourth year Garsington Opera has been held at the Wormsley Estate.

Each year a state-of-the-art pavilion is put up for the season, and then taken down again when it has finished.

Planning permission has just been given to add a rear extension to the opera pavilion.

Clare Adams, Press and PR Consultant for Garsington, said: "We are thrilled to have permission for much needed improvements to the backstage area so we can look after our singers better and protect all our technical team, who work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the show."

She said it will help keep standards, raise artistic aspirations and broaden the spectrum for what might be shown at Garsington Opera.

Mrs Adams said that previously singers would have to stand backstage with umbrellas if it was raining, as the back was completely open.

The extension will measure approximately 5m by 25m.