THE man who discovered Rick Astley held a huge party to mark his retirement.

Woolston talent agent Dave Warwick has decided to kick back after 54 years in the entertainment and media industry and he celebrated in style in Northamptonshire.

Dave discovered Rick when he was working at his dad’s garden centre in Newton. He introduced Rick to Pete Waterman at Monk Social Club when he had a gut feeling he could become an international pop star.

He was also behind Carol Smillie's transformation from a game show host to a TV star.

Other celebrities and media figures from past and present that have rubbed shoulders with Dave attended the do including Ainsley Harriott, Gordon Burns and Loose Women's Andrea McLean.

The great and the good of Warrington were also there like Houghton Weavers' Steve Millington and blues singer Makuini.

"I've met so many special people along the way, people I have worked with, represented, sold to, bought from, discovered and hopefully helped guide along their travels, people I'm honoured to call my friends," said Dave.

YOUR PICS > Fans revelling in Wire's Challenge Cup Final glory

Dave, whose mum May ran a joke shop in Buttermarket Street, broke into media management when he started representing Bob Greaves, who was the face of Granada Reports at the time.