A US musician who has worked with some of his country's biggest stars has taken up a new role - coaching some of the region's students in the world of jazz.

Jeff Tower has worked with greats such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior, among others.

But now he has flown in from his California home to coach the jazz orchestra at Northallerton College, North Yorkshire, as they make their final preparations for the World Music for Youth Festival in London next week.

Jeff is spending a week of intensive rehearsals with the 20 members of the band and the college's smaller Dixie Band.

As the first rehearsal came to an end, he said: "We've had a really good day. They are a great bunch with lots of potential. They are like sponges. They soak up the teaching."

He said: "I'm here to give them just a little more polish and style - that ten per cent extra. I hope they have a successful time at the festival."

He was invited across by the college's head of music, Garry Firth, because of his expertise in jazz. As a teenager in the 1960s, he listened to Ray Conniff rather than the Beatles, and in his work with the big names he played lead trombone, mainly in show bands, although he has also directed bands and run workshops.

He has taught music at the Hemet High School in California for the past 26 years.