A GROUP of former DJs are turning back the clock and getting back behind the decks for two huge nostalgic parties.

Organisers have gathered together 15 DJs who used to spin records in the buzzing club scene around Accrington in the 1970s and 80s.

Now two charity nights have been arranged when many of the veterans will perform in the town for the first time in decades.

The events have been put together to raise money for Broadfield Special School, Fielding Lane, Oswaldtwistle.

And organisers are calling on nostalgic clubbers to come along to the events to see their old favourites.

They are even being encouraged to come along in fancy dress from the eras.

Ged Buckel, who used to be a part of the Dynamic Disco roadshow, said he hopes to recreate the "fun atmosphere" of Accrington in the 1980s that existed in venues like Martholme Grange, Lar-De-Dars and the Bees Knees.

He said: "We are all really looking forward to it.

"A lot of the guys have been retired for a long time so it will be great to see everybody back enjoying playing great music."

Ged, of Whitewell Road, Accrington, has organised the events with Darrell Simmonds from the Slipped Disc Roadshow.

The 48-year-old is still working as a DJ and owns more than 25,000 vinyl records, which he stores in his re-inforced loft at home.

He began working the clubs in 1975 and said he particularly enjoys playing classic Northern Soul records.

He added: "It has taken over five months to organise because we wanted to find as many of the old guys as possible.

"It wasn't easy but we've managed to find as many as we could and hopefully they will be great nights.

"We are hoping to create the same great atmosphere there used to be in the town."

He said that he is personally looking forward to seeing performances from Barry Prattley from Disco Mantis and Kevin Eastham from Slipped Disc Roadshow.

The ideas for the show first came from Darrell, who wanted to raise money for Broadfield School, which his son attends.

The school is fundraising after confirming it will build a £120,000 new learning centre by next year as part of its successful bid for specialist status.

Proceeds from the shows will also go to Carers Link in Accrington, which is part fo the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

The DJs will be appearing at the Poplar Social Club, Wellington Street, for a special "Back to the 70s" night on Saturday, September, 23.

The following Saturday they will be appearing at the same venue for a "Relive the 80s" night.

Darrell said: "We will be playing music from bands like The Jacksons, Earth Wind and Fire and, from the eighties, Bananarama.

For more information and tickets call Carers Link in Accrington on 01254 387444 or the Poplar Social Club on 01254 231280. The DJs taking part and where they used to peform.

Andy Ash
Dynamic Disco, Berkeley, Cellar Disco, De Tabley Arms, Funnies.

Stevie B
Bay Horse New Inns, Coconut Grove, Sooty's.

Andy Buckel
Sunshine Roadshow, Original Bees Knees, Hope and Anchor, Duck Inn.

Ged Buckel
Dynamic Disco, Cellar Disco, Funnies.

Alan Calvert
John Alan Mobile Disco, Enfield Cricket Club.

Lee Calvert
Dynamic Disco, Berkeley, De Tabley Arms, Cellar Disco, Funnies.

Andy Crosbie
Slipped Disc Roadshow, Toffs, Horden Rake, Hollywood Bowl.

Kevin Eastham
Slipped Disc Roadshow. Bay Horse New Inns, Original Lar-de-Dars, Spinning Jenny.

John Gillsennen
John Alan Mobile Disco, Enfield Cricket Club.

Chris Heyes
Alien Disco, Dunk Inn.

Carl Leeming
'Disco Inferno'. Green Haworth Golf Club, Sparth House.

Stuart Leeming
'Disco Inferno'. Green Haworth Golf Club.

Barry Prattley
'Disco Mantis'. Martholme Grange, Cavendish, Beechwood, The Hop.

Darrell Simmonds
'Slipped Disc Roadshow'. Original Bees Knees, Toffs, Cellar Disco, Spinning Jenny, Dunk Inn.

Skippy
Sooty's.