TRADITIONAL jazz has made a welcome return to Kidderminster with an old favourite - and guaranteed sell-out - in the new season line-up.

Popular King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys are set to put in an appearance at Kidderminster Harriers, the home of Aggborough Jazz, next month.

The sessions, which are based in the Aggborough Suite at the club's Hoo Road home, are entering their fourth year after a summer break - and organisers are now branching out by booking performers from a wider area.

Club chief executive Alan Biggs said Aggborough is Kidderminster's only regular traditional jazz venue, and attracts enthusiasts from across the Midlands and as far away as Shrewsbury.

He added: "The emphasis has been towards local Midlands bands, but with a discerning audience it was felt that bands from further afield would provide more variety. The autumn programme sets out to do this."

The Eagle Jazz Band kicked off the new season on Monday, with The Great Northern Jazz Band lined up for Monday, October 1.

The band, who are new to Wyre Forest, were formed by Dennis Armstrong and gets together to tour the country only three or four times a year.

Two weeks later Sir Alan's Jazz Band will be gracing Aggborough before old favourites King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys hit town on Thursday, October 25.

At one stage Mr Biggs feared he would have to pull the plug on the sessions due to a lack of interest, but they now regularly attract audiences of more than 70, many from outside Wyre Forest.

The Europa and Martinique jazz bands will also be visiting Aggborough for the first time in November, while The Pete Allen Jazz Band and The Antique Six will also be visiting in December.

Mr Biggs said: "All in all we are looking to provide a varied programme to suit all tastes and hope that the local jazz fans will continue to support live bands on the first and third Mondays in the month."