THE official fan club of one of Glam Rock's founding fathers has been taken over by two North-East men.

Nigel Hatfield and Tony Foster have teamed up to pay homage to the legendary former T-Rex frontman by running the Official Marc Bolan Fan Club.

The pair plan to share their enthusiasm for one of the biggest stars in the 1970s with events and tribute nights across the UK.

Mr Hatfield, of Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and Mr Foster, from Newcastle, have vowed to revive the atmosphere of the Bolan era on home turf by hosting gigs in local venues.

The duo knew each other from the T-Rex and Marc Bolan convention circuit and after a memorable event in Teesside, pledged to bring 'T-Rextasy' to the region.

They took over the club, which has 5,000 people on its mailing list, when owner, motorcycle daredevil Chris Bromham, decided to sell it.

Mr Hatfield, 46, said: "Marc Bolan and T-Rex were something fresh and exciting in the Seventies.

"I remember, in 1969, hearing Ride a White Swan on the radio and everyone stopping to sing along. It just grabbed people.

"I saw him live in Bradford. The place went ballistic from the first track. I remember a sea of people screaming and going crazy.

"I was 19 when he died and have to admit I cried.

"It was an incredible time and that is what we hope to recreate with club events.

Mr Foster, 42, said: "I remember hearing about his death at a bus stop as I waited to go to my first day at work.

"I really didn't want to go because I was so upset.

"He was such as incredible entertainer. No other bands live up to Marc and T-Rex. It is a dream come true for us to run the official fan club."

To celebrate the club's re-launch, which includes a revamp of the website www.marc-bolan.com, a Seventies night, featuring tribute act TooRex, will be held at The Big Club, Sheraton Road, Newton Aycliffe, on Sunday, March 13. Tickets, priced £5, are available from Mr Hatfield on 0790 5772650