PAUL Carrack returns to Wirral for the International Guitar Festival later this year as part of his new tour.

The former frontman of Mike and The Mechanics and the voice behind world-wide hits such as How Long by Ace and Squeeze's Tempted comes to the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton on November 18.

He took part in the celebration of all things guitar last year and is looking forward to coming back to Wirral with his band.

His greatest hits album, The Best Of Paul Carrack, was released on Monday.

The 63-year-old told the Globe: "I've played in Wirral a few times over the years and it's always been good.

"I played at the Floral Pavilion two years ago and remember it being a great venue.

"We haven't actually nailed down the set list yet, as I've been on holiday and am getting back into the swing of things. But I know we've got a lot of stuff to choose from."

One of the hardest working figures in modern music, the Sheffield-born entertainer found fame with Ace and Roxy Music, and has gone on to enjoy a successful career spanning 40 years.

It includes guest appearances on more than 60 albums, as well as writing for The Eagles, Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Michael McDonald and Jools Holland among others.

The timeless classic The Living Years firmly established him as a solo performer.

In 2012, BBC4 screened The Man With The Golden Voice - a programme that documented Paul's emergence from his Sheffield upbringing to the star he is today.

Looking back on his career he said: "When I started out I thought 30 or 40 was ancient, but I'm 63 now and still enjoying it.

"The fact that I never made it as an individual artist gave me the impetus to keep going. I think it's always meant I have had to keep going and keep working on my craft.

"The plan is to keep going. In fact, I'm having the studio refurbished at the moment, so hopefully I'll get a lot of use out of it.

"I'll keep going for as long as I can and take each day as it comes."

Over the past decade or so Paul has worked increasingly in his own right on many solo albums, which include Satisfy My Soul, Groovin', It Ain't Over, Old, New, Borrowed and Blue and I Know That Name.

On the new album, he said: "There are some of the old classics

Last year he went on tour with Eric Clapton as a member of his band, which took him to America, across the UK and Europe.

Recalling the experience, he said: "It's not like I’m best mates with Eric, but I’ve played on a few tracks of his.

"He called me up one day and asked if I wanted to go on tour with him, but I don’t think he really expected to me say yes, as he knows how busy I am with my own stuff.

"But I said yes and it was one of the best things I have ever done. He has an amazing drummer, who is very impressive."

This year’s guitar festival takes place from November 7-30 and will be opened by Joan Armatrading at the Floral Pavilion.

Tickets and full programme details are from www.bestguitarfest.com or 0151 666 0000.