A SELL-OUT concert by Sting was cancelled last night after the singer developed laryngitis.

The rock star was due to open the UK leg of his world tour at the Newcastle's Metro Radio Arena yesterday but pulled out of the show in his home city because of a throat infection.

But Sting's ill health led to a lucky break for two music students, who were earlier plucked from obscurity to front a star-studded reception.

The event was to be a tribute to the singer by the Variety Club but on doctor's orders Sting was told to rest his voice.

Andrew Mockler was chosen to sing at Newcastle Civic Centre after being discovered on Thursday when Sting took a music workshop in front of 400 students. When his voice began to fail, he walked to the front of the stage and asked "Does anyone know the words to Every Breath You Take?"

Andrew's hand shot up and he was invited to take over.

Later, the student was asked whether he would stand in for the star for real.

The 20-year-old, from Middlesbrough, who is studying for a degree in jazz, popular and commercial music, performed in front of stars including Jools Holland, Robson Green, Tim Healy and wife Denise Welch, Jimmy Nail and Newcastle United's Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer.

Andrew was joined on stage by fellow student Hannah Taylor, 19. He said: "It was absolutely amazing. I had to pinch myself to be honest."

During his two-day visit to the region, Sting was shown around the new Sage music venue in Gateshead, which he will open next year.

Meanwhile, Sting returned yesterday to the scene of his first-ever paid gig to rename the theatre that helped him realise his dreams.

The superstar unveiled the new name of Newcastle's Playhouse Theatre - Northern Stage before it closes its doors for an 18-month renovation project.

* According to the Metro Radio Arena's website, Sting's concert will be rescheduled, possibly in the autumn, and tickets for last night's show will be valid.