The Middlesbrough Jazz and Blues Orchestra have been together since the summer of 2005.

They're well known in Teesside for playing at bandstands across the area including South Park, Ropner Park, Albert Park, and the new Redcar Bandstand.

The band was formed by Andrew Kerensky, a local music teacher who wanted to establish a big band in the area.

They describe themselves as "a happy bunch of musicians who enjoy making music in a group setting".

"We are open to musicians of all ages who are keen to play great music in a band setting, and the only way to improve is to come along regularly!" Explains band leader Andrew Kerensky

"We're made up of all the sections you'd expect from a big band... there's woodwind and brass - including a huge sousaphone.

"And then we also have the rhythm section, which is everything else, including guitar, piano, drums, double bass, bass guitar and vocalist!"