BIG BREAKFAST presenter Donna Air is giving her father tips on how to become a star as he launches a career as a rock drummer at the age of 40.

She has been coaching Trevor Air on the best ways to cope with the pressures of fame, if his band make the grade.

Rockers HED are hoping for a big record deal, but Donna has jokingly dubbed them Heavy Ear Damage after hearing them play.

Despite their advancing years, the band are attracting interest from companies including Polydor and Virgin. They have performed in London and Tenerife and have recorded a 12-track demonstration tape.

Trevor said: "It is nice, but a bit strange to be getting advice from my daughter about my career, because she has done it all before.

"But the things she says have a lot of meaning. She is a very clever girl and knows what she wants. I would never want to boost my career on the back of her success.

"I don't want to use her as a leg up. She is a lovely girl. Because of all the things she has done since she was young she has grown up really fast.

"I am proud of everything she has achieved and we love to see each other when she comes home to Newcastle.

"It would be great if one day we could perform on a show that Donna was presenting."

Donna has had a shot at pop stardom with teeny band Crush, but turned to acting and presenting when the band failed to take off.

After successful stints presenting shows including TV's The Big Breakfast, she has dreams of acting fame and eventual Hollywood stardom.