Big night puts Deighton back on the entertainment map

DEIGHTON Working Men's Club is back at the top of the bill - thanks to entertainment promoter Harvey Goldsmith.

The club put itself back on the entertainment map by hosting the finals of the first Harvey Goldsmith Club Entertainer of the Year contest.

The cream of the crop from auditions performed for a panel of judges - including Live 8 organiser Mr Goldsmith, who is one of Britain's most successful promoters.

Bradford band The Hoover Dams triumphed to take the title.

The event was compered by Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey, who also performed some comedy routines of his own.

Club stewardess Janet Liversedge said the night had been a huge success.

She added: "It was absolutely great. We had a lot of help from Harvey in terms of his contacts, for example getting professional lighting and sound.

"He was extremely pleased with the way it went.

"It was really exciting and the club benefited a lot. The customers thought it was a fab night."

The club has been working with Mr Goldsmith for six months to try and pull itself out of cash difficulties.

Their journey has been filmed for a Channel 4 programme, Harvey Goldsmith Presents, which is expected to be screened at the end of next month.

Mr Goldsmith's tactic for revitalising the 109-year-old club was to raise its profile as an entertainment venue that could launch the career of the next Tom Jones or Peter Kay.

The club interior was revamped and officials started holding showcase nights for entertainers and even a show by some of the UK's top male strippers.

Mrs Liversedge said Mr Goldsmith had shown them the way, but now it was up to them to continue the good work.

She said: "We are going to have a Club Entertainer of the Year competition every year and Harvey says we can keep his name on it.

"It's been a really big project, very exciting. Now it is up to us to keep the good work going."