ACCLAIMED clarinettist John Crocker will join Abbey Jazz founder Len Thwaites for a concert celebrating the group's 10th anniversary.

Mr Crocker, who played with Chris Barber's Jazz Band for 34 years, will perform with Mr Thwaites and others at Malvern Rugby Club at 8pm on Sunday, June 5.

Abbey Jazz was started by Mr Thwaites, a double bassist and his son Neil, a drummer, in 1995.

They initially performed at the Railway Inn, in Malvern Wells, before moving to Hanley Swan Royal British Legion club and then Malvern Rugby Club, where concerts now take place fortnightly.

Musicians from Gloucestershire, Somerset and the Midlands are invited to play with Mr Thwaites, forming new line-ups every time.

Abbey Jazz has also played at events such as Upton Jazz Festival and has even performed for former US president Bill Clinton at a lunch in Hay-on-Wye.

Mr Thwaites said the band had gone from strength to strength.

"It's really good. The crowd has stuck with us over the years and people now come from all over the Midlands," he said. "It's just nice to have somewhere to play regularly and it's a showcase for what we can do.

"The fact it's gone on for 10 years means it's keeping the interest - I think that's because there's something new every fortnight."

Mr Thwaites said he was delighted to have the opportunity to perform with Mr Crocker.

"I should think it's second only to booking Chris Barber himself," he said. "It really is a feather in our cap."

Tickets are limited to 100, and cost £5 on 01684 575605.