HE'S often described as the tireless driving force behind '80s chart favourites Level 42. But bassist and founding member Mark King, 44, insists this is far from true.

"I'm getting tired and forgetful these days," he says, admitting family life with his four children has taken its toll on his energy. And I'm not spare tyre-less any more!" he jokes, with one eye on what he claims is the start of middle-aged spread.

Tireless he may be no longer, but there's no doubt Mark's enthusiasm for his music will carry him through a hectic 30-show nationwide tour that would sap the strength of most.

Level 42 emerged back on the road last year, after an eight year absence, for a Greatest Hits tour that proved so successful they've decided to repeat it this year, complete with five extra dates.

"It as if we never went away," claims Mark, as he looks forward to their gig at Preston Guild Hall on October 31. "It's more like a continuation than a comeback."

And although the band's line-up has seen considerable changes, Mark insists this too has an element of continuity about it.

"Most of the others are old Level 42-ites," he says. "But I'm the only founding member."

The present Level 42 includes Lyndon Connah, on keyboards, who played with the band in 1990, Sean Freeman on saxophone, who toured with the group last year, Nathan King, a relative newcomer on guitar, and Gary Husband, a Level 42 member since 1987, on drums. Mark states: "Gary is an explosive drummer and we're lucky to have him in the band."

When selecting the group's greatest hits for the tour, Mark has a wealth of material to choose from.

"In the 15 years we were making records we released 14 albums, all of which produced a couple of hit singles.

"That gives us about 28 hit records to choose from -- and we only play about 15 a night.

"One of the tracks we play is our first hit single from 1980, Love Meeting Love.

"The record might date a bit because of the production techniques, but the song doesn't. A good song is always a good song."

Level 42's sustained success brought them some fantastic moments.

"We toured with Madonna for four months around the US in 1987," recalls Mark. "In that same year we played with Tina Turner and Steve Winwood.

"It was a fantastic period for us and, hopefully, that's why we can sit back and enjoy the fruits of it now.

"We had a great career and I've no regrets about any of it. I've got so many good memories. One thing I did do was hang on to all our platinum discs from that period. At the time I felt like a bit of a show-off but now, 15 years after the heyday, it's such a good collection to have."

Catch Level 42 at Preston Guild Hall on Friday, October 31 (tickets on 01772 258858) and at the Lowry Centre, Salford (tickets on 0870 1112000) on Sunday, November 9.