A US disc jockey surprised a North-East club's owner by paying for equipment for his nightclub.

Garage producer Kerri Chandler, of New York, who is well-known on the international club and music scene, was so impressed by Darlington's Atlantic nightspot that he decided to buy them the present.

The DJ played at the club in Duke Street for the first time recently and surprised staff by returning the next day with a new mixing desk and a graphic equalizer.

Les Langley, the owner of the members-only club, said: "Obviously it is not something that you expect a big name DJ to do.

"He has spent a considerable amount of money buying the equipment.

"It is excellent news for the club.

"Kerri really enjoyed playing for us and said he would like to come back again.

"The reason he bought the equipment, he said in his own words, was that music is his life.

"He does not do it for the money, and it was his little way of thanking us for bringing him to the club."

Atlantic, which has a membership of 2,000, is hoping to draw other big name DJs to play at the venue once a month, as well as attracting local performers.