Belfast-born Marjorie Wright was honoured for her services to opera with the Silver Lion Award.

The Northern Irish diva – who now lives in Warrenpoint – was presented with the prestigious award in Venice.

"I loved the piano when I was younger, it was my instrument and I never thought of singing," Marjorie said.

"I actually started singing because I had a terrible stammer.

"I was afraid and shy around people, so my parents sent me to elocution lessons."

It was the beginning of a career which would take her to the stage of La Scala.

The Milan venue is one of the most famous opera houses in the world, with a history that dates back to the 18th century.

It has seen premieres from renowned composers such as Puccini and Verdi, and performances from greats including Placido Domingo, Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti.

Marjorie's autobiography – The Rise and Fall of a La Scala Diva – was published two years ago, but an Italian translation is set to be unveiled.

She began to win singing competitions as a teenager, but kept playing the piano and other instruments, performing in ensembles with James Galway and Derek Bell.

Marjorie was eventually taught by Dorothy Parke – "a genius of a teacher.