A FORMER North university student is a new jazz sensation popular with Paul McCartney and Prince Charles.

Gwyneth Herbert studied English literature at Durham two years ago. The 22-year-old is now set to headline the London Jazz Festival in November.

Her soulful singing style has been compared with Norah Jones and Joni Mitchell, and her second album is expected to sell well when released next month.

When the Surrey-born student was in Durham, she spent her time persuading pub landlords to let her perform gigs, but after graduating, she and guitarist Will Rutter moved to London.

Her break came when she got a gig at the Pizza Express jazz club in Soho. She is now signed to Universal and attracts audiences of up to 4,000 when she performs.

Published: 16/08/2004