But Tom Parker was back in his native Hartlepool for the first time in decades – and reckons the old place has a bright new look to it.

Tom, 63, has worked with David Bowie, Status Quo, The Nolan Sisters and The New Animals.

He lived in the town until the 1950s with parents Jim and Peggy Parker, in Mulgrave Road.

On a flying visit Tom said: "It's been years since I was last here. I am amazed at the vast improvements the town has made and, in all honesty, I didn't recognise the old place."

While in Hartlepool, Tom visited his parents' old house and the former Clifton Avenue home of his aunt Olive Mavin.

Tom is a self-taught instrumentalist, composer, arranger and producer.
He started his musical career at 16 as pianist in a jazz group touring France and Germany.

Between 18 and 22, he was a member of pop groups including he New Animals, The Groundhogs, Jimmy James and the Vagabonds and also was a backing musician for David Bowie. Tom also toured as a keyboard player with blues legends John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed.

He later worked with Paul Anka and Status Quo, and arranged a number of hit records for Mac and Katie Kissoon, Don Fardon, The Nolan Sisters

Tom also arranged the hit single Joy by the band Apollo 100, which featured in the movies Boogie Nights and The 40-Year-Old Virgin. He also had the idea of making a rock-opera version of Handel's Messiah, which was later followed by The Young Amadeus and The Young Verdi.

His latest project is a DVD/CD recorded live at the Max Proms TV Gala in Utrecht, Holland.

Tom, who lives in southern Spain with his wife Marissa and their youngest daughter Elizabeth, said he hopes to make it back to town for the Tall Ships' Race in 2010.