Tom Jones, Bournemouth International Centre

TEN years ago, people would have laughed if you'd suggested that Tom Jones would one day be cool.

The Welsh superstar's transformation from washed-up middle-of-the-road entertainer - the position he occupied for most of the 1970s and 80s - to one of the hottest musical properties around is nothing short of astonishing.

In recent years he has found a new lease of life thanks to his collaborations with some of the biggest names in modern music - including, on his latest album Mr Jones, the ever-so-trendy Wyclef Jean.

With his new-found enthusiasm for soul and funk and a sharp new look incorporating a menacing goatee beard, Jones is now half James Brown, half gangland boss.

Thanks to his irrepressible energy, though, and that brilliant, booming voice, he was never going to be just another makeover victim.

As last night's excellent show proved, Jones can still work a crowd like no-one else, provoking whoops of delight at the merest flicker of hip.

Backed by three singers and a band including a lively brass section, the 62-year-old Welsh wonder brought past and present together in a slick show where old favourites Delilah, What's New Pussycat and It's Not Unusual happily rubbed shoulders with recent offerings like Sex Bomb and Tom Jones International.

New fans and old were united in appreciation of his teasing showmanship and that awesome, rafter-shaking voice.

I only saw one pair being thrown on the night, but this was truly a ten-knicker performance.