PEOPLE who read this column, and know me reasonably well are aware that I derive a great deal of satisfaction from chronicling the success of young musicians and singers, especially if they have come to my notice through my association with Jeriatric Jazz.

A couple of years ago I met two very talented youngsters, trumpeter Gavin Hibberd and singer Alexandra Lorence, who had asked if they could join my band Jeriatric Jazz during one of our regular 'guest' spots at the jazz nights we run in and around Bolton.

Usually 'guests' are people from the band's background, that means knocking on in years and reliving the wonderful years at places like The Toby at Edgeworth, the Black Dog and The Wilton up Belmont way. But Gavin and Alex were fresh, up and coming young talents and we knew right from day one that they were special.

I haven't seen or heard Gavin for several months as he is in his first year at Salford University, but he turned up at Horwich RMI on Tuersday night to play lead trumpet with the Art Lester Big band while I was 'depping' for drummer Don Crompton, who is having problems with his back. I can tell you straight off that the Art Lester pad is challenging enough for a drummer, let along a 'proper' musician, especially one playing lead. But young Gavin breezed his way through it with confidence and panache and is clearly destined for great things in the music industry.

In fact, one of the many 'grey heads' in the room was heard to express the opinion that young Mr Hibberd is the next Derek Healey, the wonderful trumpeter who rose from the ranks of the Bolton Palais band to become one of the most respected and sought after trumpeters in the UK.

Gavin, who is 20, and lives in Harpers Lane, Bolton, is studying music at Salford and a member of the wonderful Salford University Big Band under the direction of Malcolm Melling, himself a brilliant trumpeter. Gavin also plays with Wigan Youth Jazz Orchestra, The Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra and a cabaret band called Frequency. He is a splendid young man, totally dedicated to his music and his parents must be delighted with his progress and very proud of him. They have every right to be.

As indeed do the mum and dad of singer Alexandra Lorence, who has made enormous progress in the past couple of years. As she has grown in confidence, Alex is now tackling jazz standards and classics with an assurance and vocal clarity.

She turned up at the Jolly Carter in Little Lever on Wednesday at our regular monthly gig to sing a couple of numbers with us and earned rapturous applause for her efforts. Alex has landed a couple of local jobs which, if you get the chance, you should include in your list of social dates. She is at Smiths Restaurant in Eccles on Tuesday, November 12, and The Pizza Express in Wood Street, Bolton, on Tuesday, November 19.

What's on and where

THE ART LESTER BIG BAND: The Pennine Suite, Horwich RMI Social and Recreation Club, Chorley New Road, Bolton. Every Tuesday. 8.30 to 11.00pm. Free.

KEN WARD BIG BAND: Leigh Liberal Club. Every Monday. 8 to 11pm. Free.

RONNIE MOORE BIG BAND: Sacred Heart Club, Throstlenest Ave., off Springfield Rd., Wigan. Every Wednesday. From 8.30. Free. 01942 519059.

JERIATRIC JAZZ: The Cotton Tree, Prince St., Bolton. Thursday, November 7. 8.30-11.30pm. £1. Egerton Cricket Club, Blackburn Rd., Bolton. Thursday, November 14. With special guest Howard Murray (saxes). 8.30 to 11.30pm. £3.

THE PARADE JAZZ BAND: Eagley Jazz Club at Dunscar Conservative Club, Hardmans Lane, Bromley Cross. Bolton. Monday, November 4. From 8.30pm. Members £3.50. Non members £4.50. Details on 01204 303705.

MUNCH MANSHIP: Bolton Cricket Club, Green Lane, Bolton. Thursday, November 7.From 8.30. £3.50.

SMOKEY CITY JAZZ BAND: Bolton Cricket Club, Green Lane, Bolton. Thursday, November 14. From 8.30. £3.50.

KIM (saxes) and JEREMY SASSOON (keys): Smiths Restaurant, 1-3 Church Rd., Eccles. Tuesday, November 5. Fixed menu £12.95. From 8pm. Call 0161 788 7343.

ALEXANDRA LORENCE (vocals) and JEREMY SASSOON (keys): Smiths Restaurant, 1-3 Church Rd., Eccles. Tuesday, November 12. Fixed menu £12.95. From 8pm. Call 0161 788 7343.

ELLA ROOKE (vocals and guitar): Pizza Express, Wood St., Bolton. Tuesday, November 5. From 8pm. Call 01204 528766.

GAETANO and BOB FEEL (keys and sax): Pizza Express, Wood St., Bolton. Tuesday, November 12. From 8pm. Call 01204 528766.