AWARD-winning jazz and Gospel choir, Jazzmanix, are back in Romsey next month - this time to raise funds for Romsey Abbey Primary School's building appeal.

The student choir from Southampton University are performing at Romsey Abbey next Friday (March 9) where only a year ago they sang in support of the Abbey's bellframe restoration fund.

The school has already raised almost £100,000 towards the building of new classrooms, play areas and a community room.

Sam Martin, chairman of the governors, said: "The internationally-acclaimed choir have a great following wherever they perform, and we can't thank them enough for backing our appeal. It's a great gesture.

The new buildings are already in use, though money is still needed for groundworks, more teaching equipment and other building costs.

Organiser of the Jazzmanix concert, David Newman, said: "When they performed at the Abbey last March, close to £1,000 was raised towards the bells appeal. The audience loved the way the choir sang gospel songs with a jazz flavour. The singers at times raised the roof and the atmosphere was quite electric - as well as very moving."

This time, the 80-strong choir, under musical director Rosie Austin, will be supported by the Abbey Primary School's own choir, led by Marion Maxey, a recent finalist in the Classic FM music teacher awards.

The Jazzmanix are no strangers to honours themselves, being finalists of the nationwide Gospel Entertainment Music Awards, 2003. They also entertained the Queen at the 2005 Trafalgar celebrations, and appeared in the TV hit show, The X-Factor, as a backing group.

The concert starts at 7.30 pm. Tickets (£5 and £3 concessions) are available from Oasis Christian Bookshop in Romsey, or on the door. Inquiries can also be made to David and Louise Newman on Romsey 503347.

To find out more about the Romsey Abbey Primary School building appeal and how you can help contact Sam Martin, chairman of governors, on Romsey 511569 or c/o the school, in Church Lane. For information on Jazzmanix visit www.jazzmanix.org.