ONE of the world's top trumpet players is emulating all-time great Louis Armstrong by opening a store-cum-workshop in Taunton.

Award-winning Luis Martelo, who lives locally, is using use his 'artist's space' to repair instruments, practice and host music lessons.

Luis also sells brass and woodwind instruments and some guitars, as well as accessories, records, CDs - "old school things, jazz classics" - and his own memorabilia such as his recordings, T shirts and caps.

He said: "I've always had a dream, imagining Louis Armstrong in his own place repairing his trumpet, playing or teaching someone.

"Now I'm at the peak of my career and some people want to see me doing that.

"I'm trying to offer people something at a reasonable price."

The shop, which opened on February 14, is at the back of Mitre House - also known as Sangha House - in Tower Street.

Luis charges just £15 an hour for trumpet and brass lessons, while other teachers off guitar, piano and singing lessons in the premises.

Individuals and bands can rent a room to rehearse at £15 for up to two hours.

"The business is going really well, even better than I expected," said Luis.

"People know me as a musician and are coming to see me because of that.

"With my connections, I am able to get things in earlier than other places in this country."

Luis has picked up a clutch of awards in recent years after winning accolades from the government in his native Portugal.

In the Global Music Awards he has won five medals in three years - bronze for best instrumentalist in 2020; double silver for jazz and emerging artist in 2021; and silver in the instrumentalist and band categories this year.

He recently picked up the High Sheriff's Award in Somerset.

He can frequently be seen cheering up passers-by as he busks in Taunton High Street and has appeared in local venues, as well as touring in England, Wales, Switzerland, Ireland, Belgium.

He has also performed on the trumpet in a number of movies and backed some top singers.

Anyone interested in booking classes or hiring space in the shop should contact Luis on 07414 488973.