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 has boasted American rapper P Diddy, Spice Girl Mel C and fashionista Jade Jagger amongst 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 venue to entertain the masses – Thornley Workingmen's Club.

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,

"Many are known as 'old people's clubs' but to regenerate anything you've got to get the young people educated into music.

"We want to bring these nights to workingmen's clubs as they seem to be struggling with very hard times."

Prior to the event there is a pre-club party at Harry's Bar, in Hartlepool Street, from 5.30pm until 7pm, with the five-hour club night starting straight after at the workingmen's club.