A jazz band led a cortege at the funeral of a respected clarinet player.

Young musicians from Burgess Hill School for Girls joined the tribute, playing several songs for Jumpin' Jack Gilbert, who died last week after battling cancer.

Dozens of musicians who knew Jack and his group, The Panama Jazz Band, gathered at the service, with hundreds of friends and family members.

The funeral at Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton was followed by a lively gathering at Clair Hall in Haywards Heath.

The jazz band led the cortege from the entrance of the crematorium to the chapel in a New Orleans style.

Hundreds of mourners followed, holding colourful umbrellas and moving in time to the music.

There were too many people to fit into the chapel and many gathered outside.

Jack, who was in his 60s, continued to perform as long as he could before being admitted to St Peter and St James Hospice in Wivelsfield Green.

He earned his nickname through his lively style of trad jazz and inspired many young musicians as a teacher at Burgess Hill School.

Richard Haslam, director of music at the school, described Jack as a "wonderful inspirational teacher".

He said he was always smiling and was a great presence.

Jack also ran Mid Sussex Jazz Club in Haywards Heath, encouraging others to take up instruments. Every summer he put on a show.

Members of his band, which has now split up after 15 years, also paid tribute to Jack, who last played in the summer.

Double bass player John Boyett said Jack had a lot of enthusiasm and despite being seriously ill he continued to perform, coming on stage with a stick for support.

Jack and the band were well known throughout Mid Sussex and in Holland, where they had a big following.

They often won rave reviews for their energetic performances.

Jack leaves his wife Nicky, children Gary and Jacqueline and grandchild Erin.

The family has requested any donations should go to the hospice through Radmall Funeral Services, London Road, Burgess Hill.