A TEENAGER preparing to jet off to America for a prestigious summer school has been given a rousing send off by fundraisers who helped him secure his place.

Saxophonist Alexander Bone, 17, from Darlington, will spend several weeks at the renowned Brubeck Institute in California after he won a place on their intensive summer course.

The teenager is a member of the National Youth Jazz Collective and is one of only three British musicians to be offered a place at the institute.

He was also named the BBC’s first Young Jazz Musician of the Year.

His dream trip has been supported by a number of sponsors, including Darlington Rotary Club, the Darlington Lions Club and Al Forno Restaurant, in Skinnergate, where a presentation was made ahead of his departure later this week.

Mr Bone has also won the support of Phil Wilson MP and Iodem Solutions.