A Newton Poppleford teenager has been invited to play trombone with jazz legend Mike Westbrook’s The Uncommon Orchestra.

Sam Chamberlain-Keen, who goes to Colyton Grammar School, is taking part in his latest production ‘A Bigger Show’, on tour in London and the South East.

The show features a 21-piece ensemble, three actors, vocalists and a range of musicians.

Westbrook is a jazz/rock pianist who has led and composed for a multitude of groups, including his 1960s ‘Sextet and Concert Band’ and the jazz-rock group ‘Solid Gold Cadillac’. He has upwards of 40 albums to his credit.

Sam, aged 16, was contacted by him via the Devon Youth Jazz Orchestra, as he was a known player with them.

Westbrook was a trombonist short for his upcoming tour and Sam has since become a core player for the band.

The teenager said: “Playing alongside such top musicians has really inspired me to practice harder and the whole experience has opened my eyes to a new level of musicianship.”