ROD Stewart fans from across the globe will be defying fashion and running on Hot Legs towards Blackpool in November for an official fans' convention.

It may be 11 years since the man with the tight trousers and bad haircuts had his last hit with Have I Told You Lately, but around 200 devotees will ignore all that and gather at the President Hotel for a weekend of Stewart-themed activities.

"It isn't very cool to be a Rod Stewart fan these days," admitted Ian Roberts, of Blakeley, Manchester.

"If people talk to you in the pub you have to mumble it.

"But where will Will Young, Robbie Williams and S-Club 7 be in 30 years? People like Rod Stewart, David Bowie and Eric Clapton have been and they have stayed."

Enthusiasts from the USA, Germany, Sweden and Norway will join British followers who have booked the President Hotel, en masse for their "Wide Eyed and Legless" weekend.

"Most of the people in the fan club are 40-something," said Ian.

"It goes back to the 70s when it was cool to be a fan. Women like him because because of the way he is. Blokes like him because he is a guy who likes football, drinking and women."

The entertainment from November 8 to 11 will feature live music, a disco plus auctions. Signed Rod Stewart memorabilia includes a school prize-day programme from 1960 featuring Rod as the winner of the PE prize.

There is also a karaoke night for Rod impersonators and one of the tribute acts will include a Liverpool band doing songs by Rod's old band The Faces.

"After a few drinks there is always someone who will pick up a broom handle and think it's a microphone," said Ian.

Ian is hopeful that the star's sister Mary and brother Don will be able to attend.

While the fans are enjoying themselves they will also be helping others with proceeds from their stay going to the Francis House Children's Hospice in Manchester.