WORCESTER musician Jules Benjamin obviously enjoyed his recent trip to Cuba - his latest music is marinaded in the island's exotic flavours.

But Jules wasn't in Fidel Castro's backyard simply to soak up a few rays - while he was there, he took part in a trek to drum up funds for the National Deaf Children's Society.

"We were there for 10 days and did a 100-kilometre hike in five days," says Jules.

"It was quite a difficult trek because it was all jungles and mountains.

"I needed to be fitter than I am, but I managed it okay.

Jules, from Worcester, says £80,000 was raised between the 35 people who took part in the trip for the children's charity.

He said he had to work hard to get fit for the walk.

"I did plenty of walking across the Malvern Hills," he says.

"We did see lots of live music in Cuba and the influence of Cuban music is evident in my new material.

"I already have two tracks that are Cuban-influenced - they're very Latin."

Jules, who sings and plays piano and guitar, said the people in Cuba were very friendly and generous.

Jules and his band consist of Carl Lewis on drums, Adam Hood in bass, Kristian Rozelle on lead guitar and Jon Acland on rhythm guitar.

Jules new album, when finished, will consist of around 13 tracks.

"I am recording new material for the album at the moment and it will be finished around the end of summer," he says.

Catch Jules and his band at Worcester's Marr's Bar, in Pierpoint Street, on Sunday, May 25.