A TOUCH of jazz ensured last night's music extravaganza at the Albert Halls, Bolton, went with a swing.

The evening's entertainment concluded with Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra, and started with a little top brass from the Bolton Beginner and Bolton Training brass bands.

Sandwiched in between was a varied programme which featured guest choir St Peter's Primary School, Farnworth. Bolton Music Service Singers also lent their voice to proceedings.

Orchestras and ensembles included the newly formed Bolton Youth Clarinet Quintet, Bolton Training Strings Orchestra, Little Lever Woodwind Ensemble and Bolton Youth String Quartet.

This was the third out of a series of five nights of entertainment at the Albert Halls, featuring talented young musicians in the annual Bolton Music Centre Presents event.

Fred Shawcross, Bolton Evening News jazz columnist was on hand to review a "splendid" show. He said: "Anyone who doubts that Bolton has hundreds of talented youngsters, with parents who encourage and support them financially, should put in an appearance at the Albert Halls this week.

"They were all splendid, but special mention must be made of Bolton Youth Clarinet Quintet, Bolton Music Service Singers, Bolton Training String Orchestra and Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra."

Tonight's entertainment will be provided by: Bolton Intermediate Wind Ensemble; Oldhams Primary School choir; Bolton Youth Flute Choir; Little Lever String Ensemble; Bolton Junior Youth Orchestra Strings and Bolton Junior Youth Orchestra; Bolton Youth Brass Ensemble; Bolton Youth String Quartet and Bolton Music Service Staff String Quartet; and Bolton Youth Brass Band.

The final concert is on Thursday night and tickets for the concerts, which start at 7pm, are from 334400.

"I was privileged to be there last night when nine widely different combinations thrilled a packed audience.

"They were all splendid, but special mention must be made of Bolton Youth Clarinet Quintet, Bolton Music Service Singers, Bolton Training String Orchestra and Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra.

"I was privileged to be there last night when nine widely different combinations thrilled a packed audience.

"They were all splendid, but special mention must be made of Bolton Youth Clarinet Quintet, Bolton Music Service Singers, Bolton Training String Orchestra and Bolton Youth Jazz Orchestra.

"I have followed the fortunes of the jazz orchestras with great interest over the last few years. In the last 24 or so months, they have made remarkable progress under their leader Richard Iles and are now a potent force.

"The 30 strong ensemble tackled some truly demanding scores with astonishing panache, and it is no exaggeration to say that they could hold their own with many similar bands staffed by experienced professionals. Their thunderous version of the jazz classic Woodchopper's Ball, proved a fitting finale to a marvellous evening."