Anniversary celebration is music to Gavin's ears

And now, businessman Gavin Lancaster is celebrating the anniversary of his company Higham Discos by planning a fundraising party.

Today, he looked back on the early days of the firm he formed as a 16-year-old while he was still a student.

And he said: “I can’t pick one highlight. I just wanted to spread a bit of happiness and joy.

“Job satisfaction to me is the amount of support I have received from staff, teachers, parents and children.”

Gavin, Hartlepool born and bred, went to West Park Primary School in Hartlepool, Red House in Norton and Teesside Tertiary College where he spent two years becoming a Bachelor of Technology in design, audio and visual.

He started Higham Discos during his first term and said: “The early days were tough and I was working for free to learn the industry.”

After graduating, life improved and eventually he was managing on his own.

Eventually, he built up a list of primary schools which he did regular discos for.

By December 2014, he made the venture a full-time business and said: “It was the best decision I ever made. I have customers from North Yorkshire to Gateshead.

“Yes I do need to earn a living to pay the bills but the job satisfaction from what I do is unbelievable. It is the best feeling in the world.”

Now Gavin is planning a party at Hartlepool Cricket Club on Sunday, July 31, from 1pm with proceeds going to Hartlepool & District Hospice and all tickets already taken.