Top DJ Rob Orton, who was a resident DJ at Es Paradis nightclub in Ibiza for 10 years, has spun the discs for thousands of revellers in a club that boasted U.S. rapper P. Diddy, Spice Girl Mel C and fashionista Jade Jagger among its celebrity clientele.

Rob has played at the club, in the "dance capital of the world", where other famous DJs including Tall Paul, Danny Rampling, Todd Terry and Sonique have wowed the crowds.

Now, the Sunderland-based trance DJ and producer is heading to an altogether different kind of club to entertain the masses – Thornley Working Men's Club.

The image of workingmen's clubs, with flat cap-wearing patrons sipping draught beer and playing dominoes, is to be replaced next Saturday when 250 revellers, most donning luminous club gear and glowsticks, along with stilt walkers and professional dancers, descend on the club for a dance night.

Thornley man Kevin Mangles, 43, and his 19-year-old daughter, Rachael, are the pair behind the ambitious venture, expected to attract people from as far away as Birmingham as well as other top North East DJs.

Kevin, who has been putting on his popular Blend club nights for more than six years, got Rob involved through his links in the music promotion business.

He said it was a real coup to get Rob on board, and added that he hoped to rejuvenate the tired image of workingmen's clubs.

Kevin, who is also father to Laura, 15, and 22-month-old Jack, said: "It's a crying shame that a lot of workingmen's clubs are shutting down."

Kevin has promoted clubs in Bishop Auckland, Durham, Darlington and an outdoor festival in Hamsterley Forest.

He used to run trips to Wigan Pier and the Creamfields dance festival in Cheshire.

Kevin said: "Everybody said to me 'why don't you fetch the music to us instead of taking us to the music?'"

Kevin is urging any up-and-coming DJ and dancing talent to contact him for future events on 07873 886004.

Massive night for the club posse

THE club, in Hartlepool Street, is a world away from the glitz and glamour of the star-studded Es Paradis.

It has a bar, lounge, upstairs concert hall/function room and snooker table.

It holds up to 250 people and popular activities include dominoes, darts and card games.

The club holds regular entertainment nights featuring bands and singers from the County Durham area.