Friar’s luck as Alessandro lands record deal

Goodness gracious, great squalls of friar... holy man Alessandro Brustenghi has become the first friar in the world to land a major record deal.

Bosses at Decca Records in Britain have signed up the Franciscan friar, who has refused any money from the deal with all proceeds going towards charitable work.

Leading record producer Mike Hedges — who has won acclaim for his work with Manic Street Preachers and The Cure — discovered the Italian tenor and has brought him to London to record.