Promising jazz players from Cumbria are set to save hundreds of miles as a new music academy is to be launched in the county.

The National Youth Jazz Orchestra, who visited the North West last week, will be establishing a Cumbria Academy for music performers.

The academy, which will meet every every half term, is designed to give young music performers a hub to enhance their playing skills.

Students previously selected by NYJO have had to make their way to London for rehearsals, starting at 9:30am on Sundays.

Members of NYJO will meet up in Penrith to provide intense and consistent work to enable students to improve.

Simon Yeo, Manager of Lead Organisation for Cumbria Music Hub, said the academy is a great opportunity for young musicians.

He said: “The opportunities to provide progression for future work and careers is endless.

“It’s ideal for young people who are thinking of a better skill base to pursue music as a career.

“It gives them a whole new level of attainment if they are thinking of attending music colleges or further music studies.

Mr Yeo added: “They need to go there with a whole level of skills - and the Cumbria Academy is a no-brainer.”

The new academy will provide a benchmark for jazz musicians to progress further.

Richard Butler MBE, Performing Arts leader at Ulverston Victoria High School, said the academy is a brilliant opportunity.

He said: “A few of our pupils at UVHS have been invited to join NYJO, but it was impossible to attend rehearsals.

“NYJO are looking at broadening their reach and therefore coming up to Cumbria so every four weeks or so."

He added: “It’s open to all pupils who are good enough and to give them a chance to work with NYJO.

“I think it is an absolutely fantastic opportunity for young musicians throughout the county.

“To get training and experience with some of the best young jazz players in the country is tremendous.”