Lloyd Webber to busk on the tube

The musician, with Roz Hamandishe, is 50 this year

Classical musician Julian Lloyd Webber is to busk on the London Underground - but he is far from down on his luck.

The renowned cellist will be the first official busker on the tube when he takes to the platform on 14 May as part of a trial scheme.

By-laws on busking have been relaxed

He will be playing a selection of works composed by his brother Andrew, Lord Lloyd Webber, at Westminster station.

All the money he collects in his cello case will be donated to the Prince's Trust charity.

Inspire

Lloyd Webber said: "I am delighted to be able to launch the Underground system as a brand new platform for the performing arts in this country.

"I hope that this will inspire all sorts of musicians from all walks of life to bring their music - be it classical, musicals, pop, folk, reggae, jazz and the like - to a wider audience."

A trial run by London Underground later in the year will see buskers invited to entertain travellers after a relaxation of by-laws.

Buskers are more used to being moved on by underground staff, than being welcomed with open arms.

The cellist has also recorded an album of his brother's songs, Julian Lloyd Webber Plays Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The pair will also join together for the first time to celebrate Julian's 50th birthday concert at the Royal Albert Hall on 1 June.