WHO knew that drinking gin and watching live jazz could go a long way in supporting a school?

The Friends of Symondsbury Primary School hope to round off the school's 150th anniversary year in dazzling style with a gin and jazz night. Hosted in Symondsbury Estate's Tithe Barn, the night promises to be a perfect winter warmer as well as an important fundraiser for the school.

Headlining will be Rachael Roberts and the Gatsby Gang, popular for their classy 1920s vibe and crowd-pleasing classics. Rachael, whose vocals featured on a track recently played to great acclaim on BBC Radio 6 music, has two children who attend the school and so she is particularly pleased to be performing at the event.

"It promises to be a wonderful night and we can't wait to have some fun and to help generate much needed funds for the school and the pupils," she said.

A local trio of musicians will warm the evening up with some classic jazz standards at the start of the night, while DJ James Baker will keep feet tapping and hips swaying throughout the evening.

A special gin bar will be running throughout the evening and a range of home-cooked food and cheese boards will be on sale for supper.

Joint chairman of the Friends, Cat Woolner, said: "We are so pleased to be able to use the wonderful Tithe Barn to host a fundraiser for the school and are thrilled that Rachael and her gang are able to provide such a high standard of entertainment - it should be a fantastic night."

Laura Swift, also joint chairman and a teaching assistant at the school, added: "We have had an amazing year of celebrations for our 150th anniversary and we've been so lucky to have received so much support - the pupils have had an amazing time, have learned so much and they will all benefit from the funds we have been raising. This is our big last blast as we come to the end of 2018 and we really hope lots of jazz lovers will come along and enjoy a really magical night with us and help us enter our 151st year with a bang."

Gin and Jazz takes place tomorrow and tickets cost £15, which includes a drink upon arrival.

Tickets are available from Fruits of the Earth on Victoria Grove, Hare Salon on South Street or online at tickettailor.com/events/symondsburyschoolfund

All the proceeds from the event will go to support learning and enrichment opportunities for the school's pupils.