A LONG-running jazz club will be welcoming a very special guest to a concert marking its 17th anniversary.

Accomplished saxophone, flute and clarinet player Amy Roberts was named ‘rising star of the year’ at the British Jazz Awards in both 2009 and 2011.

As well as leading her own quintet, she last year became the first female musician to join the well-known Big Chris Barber Band.

She will be taking time out from her busy schedule next month to join Abbey Jazz’s celebrations at Malvern Rugby Club in Spring Lane.

The club was founded at the Railway Inn, Malvern Wells, in 1995 and has hosted regular sessions in the town ever since.

Founder and chairman Len Thwaites said: “We can’t believe we’ve been going so well for 17 years. We’re continuing to draw good audiences and this has allowed us to attract the best players from around the Midlands and the wider UK.

“We like to think we make a worthwhile contribution to Malvern’s reputation as a creative centre, and it is especially gratifying that young stars like Amy Roberts are keen to appear with us.”

The anniversary concert is from 8pm until 10.30pm on Sunday, June 3. It costs £6 and Amy Roberts will be joined onstage by Mr Thwaites himself as well as other musicians.

The new one-day Malvern Jazz Festival takes place at the club from 2pm to11pm on Sunday, May 13. Tickets cost £10 from 07877 309441, 01684 575605 or president@malvern rfc.co.uk.