Members of a jazz quintet are tuning up for a fundraising event at a Hitchin church on Friday night in order to raise money to help pay for its upkeep.

House of Five will perform music composed by pianist and vocalist Jayne Mason in aid of St Faith’s Church on Woolgrove Road.

The band, which consists of Rob Le Plar on guitar, Paul Jolly on saxophone, Steve Seal on drums, Pete Myatt on double bass, and Jayne will be playing alongside singers Anne Stevens, Deb Maguire, Heidi Burnston, Tess Alexander, Jessy Evans, Marietta Newlands and Rachel Jane.

Pianist and composer Jayne, who also runs glee singing classes in the historic church, told the Comet: “We are doing this because St Faith’s is such a beautiful church and a wonderful place to make music.

“Through rehearsing my glee club there I have grown to love the place. It has great acoustics and a very warm atmosphere – in fact we have been stunned by the beautiful acoustics.

“The expenses of maintaining such a building must be huge – we want to make a contribution to the church and its community to show our gratitude and support.

“We also want to thank St Faith’s wonderful vicar Melanie Crowley for her help and backing.

“It’s a bring your own refreshments affair and Melanie has even suggested people may like to bring their supper as Polcaro’s Fish and Chips is only over the road on Cambridge Road.”

Vicar Melanie added: “It’s lovely to have Jayne making different types of music here. We’re looking forward towards a great community event which we hope will also see people enjoy visiting the church.”

Doors open for the concert at 7.30pm and the music is scheduled to start at 8pm. Admission is £5.

The church will also be holding its summer fayre on Saturday, June 25, from 11am to 3pm with the theme of A Day At The Races.