In the past the band hasplayed several times for Hampsthwaite Wednesday Group , helping it to raise money for nominated charities. This time, however, the band was the nominated charity.

Val Philipson, spokeswoman for the Wednesday Group, said: “We've so enjoyed them coming in the past that we thought we'd give something back to them this time."

The lively playing of the band in their first numbers, Alexanders Ragtime Band and The Hustle along with the wit and banter of band conductor Garry Hallas, had the audience smiling and tapping their feet.

During the evening Mr Hallas handed out awards to the band members, helping the audience get to know them.

Lord of the Dance and Hymn to the Fallen, pieces from their current CD which was hot off the press for the evening, also proved very popular.

After the interval it was the turn of Harrogate High Jazz. For the first time two of the band members sang – Harry Frazer in Knock on Wood and Beth Cole in Aretha Franklin's Respect.

The penultimate piece of the evening, Pennsylvania 65000, saw some audience participation which again brought lots of smiles and laughter from the hall.

Lastly the band finished with the rhythmic beat of Louis Prima's Sing, Sing, Sing, which resulted in rapturous applause.

The evening raised a total of £664, which will buy or maintain band instruments and purchase new music. A cheque for this amount was handed to Mr Hallas.