Award-winning Helston School Jazz Orchestra are once again through to the final of a national competition and are all set to defend their title.

Before they can do that, however, they must first raise the funds to get them to the Big Band competition, which this year takes place in Gateshead.

To help them on their way, two Helston businesses have donated £250 each to put towards the travel expenses. Presenting the cheques at a special ceremony with orchestra members were Verna Newbury from Christophers Estate Agents' Porthleven office and Chris Oliver, owner of Oliver and Son furnishers.

Alan Christophers, who owns the estate agents chain with his wife Tricia, said they had decided to support the band as the Christophers family had long-standing connections with the group.

Mr Christophers explained: "We thought it was a worthy cause - it's not very often that a small Cornish town has a national champion. To be the reigning champions and to get back and defend their title is quite exceptional. They have done fantastically to get through to the final again."

He praised members for reaching the final for a second year in a row, particularly as the band had a new musical director, Clive King - following the retirement of founding director Johnny Austin - and a large number of new members.

Mr Oliver, who has seen two his two daughters pass through the band, said: "I'm delighted to be able to help them. It's the way they work together and help each other. In these days, where most things are 'everyone for themselves', it's very much a little community on its own."

He added that he was "only too pleased" to be able to help the band travel to Gateshead and praised the new director Mr King for doing an "excellent job."

"Let's hope they do very well up there," he concluded.