ONE of the country's top nightclub managers is this week coming back to his roots as boss of Blackburn's Utopia.

Andy Appleton began his climb up the entertainment industry ladder at the club as a lighting technician in 1989, when it was known as Peppermint Place.

He quickly became the main DJ and for three years could be found behind the decks.

In 1992 Andy left Blackburn for Malta and Sicily and since 1995 has managed clubs across the UK including, Bolton and Manchester.

Andy, who picked up 'Club Design of the Year' at this year's British Entertainment and Discotheque Association awards, said he was delighted to be returning to his home town.