TALENTED drummer Rob Turner could turn out to be the next big jazz sensation after making it into the finals of a prestigious national music contest.

The 21-year-old student, originally from Bromley Cross, is set to play in front of one of his heroes, internationally renowned saxophonist Andy Sheppard, at the Pizza Express Jazz Academy in Soho, London, on June 8.

The venue launched musicians Norah Jones and Jamie Cullum, both of whom are now enjoying massive chart success with their easy-listening jazz sounds.

Rob, who is studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, has been playing the drums for the past eight years, and hopes one day to make a living from his passion.

Rob has recently become a huge fan of jazz music, after meeting legendary George Russell and Jeff "Tain" Watts through his college connections, musicians he describes as "possibly the best drummers alive today".

He will face five other musicians from across the UK on June 8, including a pianist, saxophonist and a trumpet player, before a panel of judges, including Mr Sheppard.

Rob beat off competition from around the North-west in March, to gain entrance to the final, in which he also stands to win £1,000. But he says he is not phased by the competition. Rob said: "I feel quite indifferent to it at the moment, as it has been really relaxed so far.

"I'm glad to make it so far, and I'm looking forward to the final, but I'll be going down to London on my own as its much easier to perform in front of people I don't know."