WE go into the New Year with renewed hope that the local jazz scene will continue to flourish, despite the obvious fact that so many of us -- musicians and followers -- aren't getting any younger.

I have been guilty in the past of expressing fears that jazz could well be facing a terminal decline, given that the genre could die with us when we leave for that big bandroom in the sky.

I now realise, thankfully, that those opinions were total nonsense and a perfect example of me being just a tad egotistic in my old age. Jazz is very much alive and there are a lot of youngsters playing it. Playing it well, too.

For that fact we have to thank not only supportive parents but also dedicated and enthusiastic music teachers. I saw a number of splendid examples of the way that keen youngsters can be moulded into well-rehearsed and effective units at the school concerts I have attended this year.

I intend to get to as many as I am invited to in 2002 as the young musicians and their teachers deserve to be encouraged and supported.

Now for news of a new band and a new venue to add to the list of live gigs. Drummer Gordon Jones, one of the most enthusiastic chaps you could ever wish to meet, is launching what he hopes will be a regular gig at The White Horse in Edgworth on Tuesday, January 29.

Gordon recently returned from Spain and has spent the last few weeks re-establishing contact with fellow musicians in the Greater Manchester area and adding to his impressive collection of kits, many from an era when they were made to last -- like washing machines and vacuum cleaners!

He's even got one kit which comes with skulls and other assorted percussion, ideal for any band specialising in 1920s type jazz, which just happens to be Gordon's favourite era. He won't be playing 1920s style stuff at The White Horse as the quartet, a conventional line-up of rhythm section and one front line, will be producing mostly mainstream offerings.

Playing with him will be Norman Bolton (keyboards) from Oswaldtwistle, Norman Fisk (bass), who lives in Nelson and Manchester-based Howard Murray (saxes).

The two Normans are hugely experienced musicians and as good as any section players on their respective instruments in the Greater Manchester area. Howard Murray, too, is a marvellous player whose infectious humour and enthusiasm, allied to considerable musical ability, make him extremely popular with fellow 'musos' and jazz aficionados.

Another excellent saxophonist will appear in concert with the resident Tommy Melville Quartet at The Rhythm Station next Tuesday evening. Italian Renato D'Aiello is a product of the famous Berklee College in Boston, USA, and has already established a considerable reputation while touring in Europe.

And on Monday Jazz at Blakeys is relaunched for the year 2002 with the appearance of traditional combo The Forrest Jazzmen. THE PENDLE JAZZMEN: Holden Arms, Grane Rd., Haslingden. Every first, third and fifth Friday of the month. Whitchaff Inn, Bury Rd., Rawtenstall. Every second and fourth Friday of the month. From 9pm each venue. Free admission.

ART LESTER BIG BAND: Pennine Suite: Horwich RMI, Chorley New Rd., Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8.30. Free.

KEN WARD BIG BAND: Mercury Motel, Manchester Rd., Westhoughton, Nr Bolton. Every Tuesday. From 8pm. Adm free.

JERIATRIC JAZZ: Mainstream and BeBop. The Cotton Tree, Prince Street, Bolton. Thursday, January 3. From 8.30. Adm £1.

RENATO D'AIELLO: Superb tenor saxophonist: The Rhythm Station, Rawtenstall. Tuesday, January 8. 8.30-11pm. Adm £6. Tel: 01706 214039.

THE FORREST JAZZMEN: Blakeys Bar, King George's Hall, Northgate, Blackburn. Monday, January 7. 8.15-11pm. £3.50 on the door. The Met Arts Centre, Market St., Bury (0161 761 2216). Friday, From 8pm. Tickets £8 (conc £6)