After a vicar struck lucky by booking a world-renowned jazz legend to perform at his church, he decided to get his money’s worth.

Curtis Stigers, who topped the charts in the 90s and featured on the original soundtrack of The Bodyguard, is kicking off his UK tour at St Margaret’s Church in Rainham - thanks to a chance call from the Rev Nathan Ward.

When Stigers’ manager unexpectedly confirmed the gig, Mr Ward, after recovering from the shock, set about hiring a piano for the superstar.

He’s settled for “the best there is” - a Steinway Model D for the Hollywood-born musician’s sold-out show on Thursday, May 1.

At a cost of more than £4,000 for the night’s loan, Mr Ward decided to host a five-day Piano Festival at the high street place of worship.

Other headliners include Dominic Ferris from the West End, the renowned Julian Joseph, family act The Kanneh-Masons and Sir Tom Jones’ pianist Paddy Milner.

Closer to home, Jamie Johnson, the Gillingham born and bred singer who won fame as a finalist in The Voice UK, is also among the line-up.

Stigers’ impromptu appearance came about after Mr Ward and a friend went to Ronnie Scott's jazz club in London to see the man himself.

Speaking previously, he said: “I just thought ‘Why not?’ and got hold of his manager and asked if he would like to play in an historic English church.

“That was in November and when he said ‘yes’ it suddenly became real.”

He added: “We’ve been working on it for a couple of months now and then I thought ‘if I have to hire a grand piano I might as well do something else with it’.

“When you think about Rainham, it’s kind of the forgotten part of Medway – we’ve noticed there is a cultural gap.

“If you want to see something you have to go to Rochester.

“We trialled some events over the last few years which were mainly tribute acts and they have done really well and we went ‘We’ve tested the waters, let’s see what we can do’.”

It was his appearance on the soundtrack for The Bodyguard which cemented Stigers’ place in music history.

His cover of the Elvis Costello hit (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding made a fortune for its songwriter, pub rock legend Nick Lowe.

After appearing in Rainham, Stigers will continue his month-long tour, dropping in at venues in Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.

Mr Ward said: “What began with the simple need to hire a grand piano for Curtis Stigers has grown into Rainham’s inaugural Piano Festival – a week-long celebration of music bringing world-class talent right to the heart of our town.

“Most of the events are free – from a Cockney Singalong to a Concert of Peace.

“West End star Dominic Ferris has been working with local schools who will perform with him on Friday evening.

“He’s been inspiring local children in rehearsals.

“It’s going to be an amazing week, full of joy, creativity and musical brilliance – something truly special for Rainham.”

Tickets are available from rainhamchurch.co.uk/arts - use the promo code KentMessenger to get 15% off.

Also anyone who buys a ticket can get 25% off their food bill at Tarana Indian restaurant in Rainham on the day the ticket is valid for.