A COCKERMOUTH man is keen to help bring live jazz into town.

Dave Atherton moved to the town seven months ago.

"I used to live in Cheshire, where I helped to run a successful monthly jazz venue at a small theatre," he said.

"I’ve been having discussions with The Kirkgate about trying to run some informal concerts.

"They wanted to do this anyway as part of their programme."

He is hoping they will be able to run three pilot concerts from January to March.

"I feel quality live music is always uplifting and we intend to provide some top musicians playing contemporary music in Cockermouth.

"I’ve got quite a few contacts and the people we are considering are top class musicians who would have played at the likes of Ronnie Scotts, The Sage and Band on the Wall."

He said there had been a great response to the plans from lots of locals.

"It's looking like it will be Sunday evenings," he said.

"The Kirkgate is a lovely little theatre.

"It would be good if it could be run as an informal setting, rather than a stage."