VETERAN DJ Bob Yates has been rockin' all over Bolton for the past 30 years.

And this week he celebrated his milestone anniversary at Tonge Ward Labour Club, where his rock 'n' roll nights have become a legendary mecca for devotees of stars from Chuck Berry to Elvis Presley and Little Richard to Jerry Lee Lewis.

And definitely for fans of Buddy Holly.

In fact, it was the late legendary bespectacled star who first sparked the interest of the young lad from Great Lever - who left Hayward School to join the Merchant Navy aged 13 - and prompted him to start buying records.

His working life afterwards encompassed a variety of firms until he joined local bakery, Warburtons, more than three decades ago. By then he was a keen fan of weightlifting, moving into body-building to create a national reputation for excellence - he won the Mr North-west Britain title among many others.

It was when Bob was working on security in the old Navada skating rink on Spa Road when the owner asked he if he would like to "play some records one night.

Bob agreed to, and became a Sunday night draw with his own extensive play-list of records of the day.

"The first one I ever played was Everlasting Love by Love Affair, which went down well at the time, he said. A girl he met asked him along to Tonge Ward Labour Club, where DJ B Bopper (alias Alan Hampson) had already established a popular rock 'n' roll night.

Bob's knowledgeable requests soon impressed the established entertainer, and he asked if Bob would like to do another night himself. He also gave him the nickname which has stuck ever since Bob (The Duke) Earl, after the Gene Chandler 1962 hit "Duke of Earl. Many of his friends from past decades were at the club this week to celebrate his special anniversary, and to show their appreciation of his dedication to this era. And if Bob has his way, he will rock on for another three decades!