MOD rockers The Circles are ready to turn back the clock this weekend after 40 years since the band were first formed.

The original line-up will take to the stage at sell out gigs in both Wolverhampton and London, with another appearance set for Bristol the following week.

Lead singer Mick Walker from Brierley Hill said: "It was a magical feeling when we all got back together again at our first rehearsal.

"It must have been the first time the original line-up has played together in 30 years and it was great.

"We've had other members come in and out of the band over the years, but it wasn't the same."

The band, which also comprises Keith Allen on drums, Martin Ratcliffe on lead guitar and vocals and Glen Tranter on base guitar and vocals, modelled themselves on groups like The Who, Small Faces and The Kinks.

Mick added: "We were at the forefront of the mod revival which seemed to coincide when the film Quadraphenia coming out.

"We'd only formed just prior to that, so we couldn't have timed it better as the scooter scene was massive then.

"Our first single Opening Up got plenty of airplay on Radio One, as DJ's like John Peel, Mike Read and Peter Powell played it regularly.

"Then our second single just missed out on the charts, reaching No.43 at its peak.

"We recorded five singles and three albums in total and we've just released an EP entitled OurTime to coincide with our 40th anniversary tour".

Mick, who is originally from Pensnett and plays rhythm guitar, was also the main songwriter for The Circles revealed: "I had a phone call from our record company asking if we would be interested in reforming again after 40 years.

"Both Martin and Keith live in the Wolverhampton area, so that wasn't a problem, but Glen had moved to New York.

"But he was happy to fly back because he didn't want to miss out.

"The wonderful thing is that we've always maintained a massive following and it's fantastic to hear them signing the chorus to some of our songs.

"It's also a bit ironic that our first ever gig was at a pub called the Lord Raglan in Wolverhampton which doesn't even exist anymore and that here we are now, 40 years later, playing in Wolverhampton again."

Only a few tickets remain for tonight's (May 3) gig at The Hummingbird, while Sunday's appearance in Islington is sold out.