A WORLD famous jazz club founded by legendary saxophonist Ronnie Scott has decided to sponsor a junior basketball team.

Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in the heart of Soho will sponsor the Brighton Cougars under 14s girls team in the national basketball league this season.

Brighton-based jazz singer Claire Martin is the mother of one of the players and was instrumental in dunking the deal.

She said: “I have played at Ronnie Scott’s for years and knew that the owner loved sports so I thought I would give it a go as the team needed a new kit.

“The girls may not all know about artists like Stan Getz or Sarah Vaughan but they think jazz is cool and they love their smart new kit. We are unbeaten so far this season with two wins so I think the jazz spirit is already through every player.”

Ronnie Scott’s in London has hosted jazz legends since opening in 1959 including Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Chet Baker as well as more contemporary artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Jamie Cullum.

The club's famous logo, which features the late saxophonist Ronnie Scott playing jazz, adorns the team’s new kit.

Ronnie Scott’s co-owner Michael Watt said:“I think it’s great that these Brighton girls are competing at the highest level in basketball in this country and so any support we could give was well worth it.

“Jazz is all about improvisation so I hope the Ronnie Scott’s backing provides inspiration to the girls for the upcoming season.”

The team is also sponsored by Hycare Cleaning Supplies.

Jon Lloyd, chairman of Brighton Cougars, said: “As a community basketball club run by members we welcome any support we can get. But to have a cool brand like the famous jazz club Ronnie Scott’s sponsoring us is fantastic and means we have smart new kits for the girls.”