A SAXAPHONIST from the Tyne Valley performed live on stage at the Brit Awards last night.

John Waugh, who grew up in Hedley-on-the-Hill, performed with alternative rock band The 1975, who also won two gongs on the night.

John has been performing with the band since 2013, appearing on both of their number one albums and touring with them extensively. 

Lead singer Matt Healy also has a North-East connection - he is the son of actors Denise Welch and Tim Healy and grew up in Newcastle before moving to Cheshire. 

The 1975 were named best British group for a second time, two years after they first picked up the prize.

Later in the evening they took to the stage again to receive the sought-after British album of the year award for A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships.

Healy paid tribute to the Arctic Monkeys, their team and his girlfriend.