A JAZZ legend who collaborated on the scores for the Bond movies Goldfinger and From Russia With Love is making a rare UK appearance at Rawtenstall's Rhythm Station on August 14.

Alan Haven - a big name on the scene - will guest star at the venue's regular jazz night, alongside resident band The Tommy Melville Trio.

Born in Prestwich, Manchester, Haven's name is synonymous with talent and originality to fans.

Those old enough to remember the golden days of the Palais de Danse in Bolton's Bridge Street will recall with pleasure the spell spent there by the keyboard wizard.

He and local drummer George Walker had hundreds of loyal fans who would cram into the club to enjoy their music.

And they were hugely disappointed when Haven, as was inevitable, decided to pursue his career in London.

In the capital he teamed up with Tony Crombie - a face on the London scene - and soon they were one of the hottest combos in the UK.

He and Crombie were regulars at Ronnie Scott's and Annie's Room - London's two premier jazz venues - and Haven's debut album, based on the music of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, so impressed the Fab Four that he and Crombie were invited onto a TV special featuring The Beatles.

His 1967 hit single Image received lots of airplay and was used as the theme tune by Bob Stewart and Tony Blackburn on renowned pirate radio station Radio Caroline.

Haven fans praise the way he never failed to create his own sound, whether using a Hammond or Lowrey organ, and his innovative keyboard wizardry became legendary.

Since the halcyon days of the '60s, Haven's career has included collaboration on film scores - including the two Bond movies - and a 10-year spell developing and marketing his own Haven organ.

Nowadays he spends a lot of time in Spain, recording and performing.

But he will be coming home to make a rare UK appearance at The Rhythm Station, on Tuesday, August 14.

Book your tickets now - organisers at the venue are predicting a full house.

For tickets call Denis Dundon on 0161 7960275.