Pavarotti takes teaching job

Opera legend Luciano Pavarotti has a new job lined up following his retirement next year - a singing teacher.

The Orazio Vecchi Music School in Pavarotti's hometown of Modena, northern Italy, announced the 69-year-old tenor has joined the payroll, but will be conducting the lessons at his home.

Pavarotti will insist old friend and conductor Leone Magiera teaches the two-year course - an equivalent to a masters degree - to a group of 24 students.

The portly singer will encourage his pupils to sing professionally immediately as they begin the course.

He explains: "You have to set them to work in lyrical productions straight away, so that they can support their stay in Modena during the two-year course."