A NORTHERN Soul enthusiast on the verge of emigrating to the other side of the world will be choosing the tunes at this weekend's landmark revival event.

Kidderminster man Mick James will be spinning discs for the West Midland Soul Club for the last time before saying "g'day" to Australia.

This Saturday will see the 10th in a series of twice-yearly Nautical William Northern Soul Revival events - big dates in the calendar which attract dancers from across the country - at the Wyre Forest Glades Leisure Centre. Terry Thomas aka Mr Tee, with Northern Soul buff Mick James, who is emigrating to Australia.

Mick will join regular DJs Steve Russell, Mr Tee and Basil in action from 7pm until midnight.

Mr Tee, also known as Terry Thomas, said of the first revival event which took place six years ago: "It looked back to the days 25 years ago when the art deco Nautical William Hotel near Kidderminster was a magnet for Northern Soul dancers from across the UK.

"Although the venue eventually closed its DJs became regulars at the legendary Wigan Casino and other top venues favoured by enthusiasts."

And he pointed out Northern Soul is back on the agenda in 2002, with regular radio features going out and a recent television documentary looking at events across the nation.

The genre revolves around "magical" up-tempo dance tunes created in often obscure studios in various American cities and rediscovered by collectors and dancers in the 1970s.

The West Midland Soul Club was formed in the early 70s out of the original Nautical William nights.

The venue was one of many that attracted dancers who could be seen "moving in a way that still amazes non-Northern Soul fans," said Mr Tee.

"The Glades, with its round wooden floor, evokes the atmosphere of the original venue perfectly and is ideal for Northern Soul-style dancing," he added.

"For many the big night of the year will be the Nautical William Revival, which we are proud to say is now the 10th event.

"The dancers of the Midlands will be able to spin, backflip or simply do their own thing to some of the rarest soul records around.

"Movers and groovers of all ages will be welcome to come along, dance and share memories with old friends and the many newcomers attracted by the media coverage," Mr Tee promised.

"Mick will be spinning discs for the final time before leaving for Australia.

"He is already in touch with the thriving Northern Soul scene in Sydney via the internet, and will no doubt soon be filling dancefloors down under."

More information is available by calling Mr Tee on 01562 515291.