A POPULAR tribute band are to take their music to the former Soviet Union.

Classic Clapton - dedicated to Eric "Slowhand'' Clapton - have been invited to play at a festival in the Baltic state of Estonia, which has just joined the EU.

The band, fronted by Durham City-born Clapton lookalike and sound-a-like Mike Hall, have been a big draw in the North-East for years and have since played concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and the Glastonbury Festival.

Mr Hall, who now lives in Newcastle, said the band had been invited to play at a festival in Elva, two hours drive from the capital Tallin, in July.

"It is being held in an outdoor stadium and I believe we will be the headline act. There is also the possibility of playing in Latvia two days later."

Mr Hall said the concert would be the band's first appearance outside the UK.

Last year, there was a possibility of the band playing in China but nothing materialised.

Classic Clapton, who have produced two CDs and been featured in a TV documentary, sold out The Gala Theatre, in Durham, in February on their first performance in the city.

They will be appearing at the Lamplight Arts Centre, Front Street, Stanley, on Friday, June 18, at 8pm.

Tickets cost £10 (Friends of the venue £9) and are available on (01207) 218899.

Published: 15/05/2004