HE'S one of the masters of the mixing art -- and he's on his way to Lancashire in less than a fortnight.

Carl Cox comes to the University of Central Lancashire on March 18 for a one-off gig in association with Smirnoff.

Normally, Tuesday night's Free2Dance session in Preston is one for the diehards and students, an ideal escape from the real world midweek.

But this one is set to be a little different. While it gives us lot the chance to see Carl Cox, one of the country's best-loved DJs in action locally, it gives Mr Cox the chance to do something he doesn't get to do that often -- sleep in his own bed.

Oldham-born Cox said: "There are so many places which are special for me to play, but ones in the UK are always good and this one will be because it means I can stay in my own house, in my own bed!"

And while a Tuesday night out might mean a sore head and slow day at the office on Wednesday, it is set to be worth it -- primarily because Carl doesn't have that many dates planned for the UK in 2002.

He said: "Last year I only played six shows in the UK.

"I can't say I won't be doing any other shows in the UK this year but the schedule is looking tight.

"I have made a whole new album with such a 'new' sound and there is so much good music around at the moment so expect the dance floors to be rocked."

Carl Cox was born in July 1962 and became a DJ in 1985. After serving an apprenticeship as host to thousands of private parties, he eventually graduated to clubs and played a key part in developing Britain's House movement.

One of his big claims to fame is being one of the first DJs to use a third deck when mixing.

His fame is now global, but he still prefers playing in front of crowds in the UK.

He said: "UK clubbing has been going on for years so passion for music and clubbing is part of life in the UK.

"In the States you cannot even get into a club in some places until you're over 21 so it's not so much in their culture.

"But it is getting there."

And as for the art of three-deck mixing: "Well, I was the first one to do it!

"Having the extra deck enables me to add a whole new level to my mixing and the sound but it has gone further now as I use CDs and sound effects as well as the three decks.

"Like dance music itself, it just keeps evolving -- that's the exciting part!"

Cox's new track, Dirty Base 12-inch, is out this month and he said: "I'm just finishing the album which you will see this year and you will hear a lot of it on the tour.

WHAT: Free2Dance featuring Carl Cox

WHEN: Tuesday, March 18

WHERE: University of Central Lancashire Students Union, Fylde Road, Preston.

ENTRY: £5

TIME: 9pm-2am