THE hundreds of Leigh area fans of Northern Soul who made the trek to the music's spiritual home at Wigan Casino every week in the 70s will be delighted to learn that it's back.

December 3 is the momentous day when the first Northern Soul night spins back on to the nightlife calendar with legendary DJ Russ Winstanley at the turntables at Number Fifteen in King Street West.

He said: "It's been too long. While many may feel that Northern Soul has never been away, in truth it has. It has been keeping crowds dancing into the small hours around the North West, but the important point that it has not been in Wigan - and it has not been as big."

Northern Soul's signature was its all-action dancing - and dance floor staying-power was a crucial aspect, something I never had and didn't want.

At the time I liked the music but I'm afraid I didn't dance. I decided after the twist and the shake that was me done. Boogying is not something I enjoy, but I must admit I enjoyed watching the lads try to turn themselves inside out.

They have the chance again this weekend - if 30 years on they still can, but no doubt a new generation of fans could be created.