THE North-East's own Eric Clapton is hoping his popularity will spread beyond Scotch Corner after featuring in a TV documentary.

Former surveyor Mike Hall, who packed in his business to concentrate full-time on Clapton tribute band After Midnight, was screened by Tyne Tees TV playing to a packed Newcastle Opera House.

The Durham-born singer and guitarist, who sounds and looks like the millionaire rock legend, has been popular with the region's Slowhand fans since the band was formed in 1985.

Now he is venturing out of the region for the first time to play gigs in the Midlands over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Mike, who lives in Newcastle, said: "Since Cover Their Tracks was screened on Friday the phone has never stopped ringing.

"I'm still in shock because we have never seen ourselves on the telly. It is fantastic for us and it will help us to move on and progress the band to another level.''

He said: "The weekend after next we start our world tour in the Midlands - the first gigs we have done outside the region.

"We'll be playing 400-seater venues in Crewe and Wolverhampton. Two of the local radio stations will feature the band and run a competition for the gigs.

"I just sent our CD, The Music of Eric Clapton, to the venues and within a couple of days they rang back to book us.

"I'm hoping this will lead on to other things. The word is spreading and we are getting phone calls from all around the country.''

l After Midnight play at the Croft racing circuit, near Darlington, on Saturday, at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available on (01325) 721815.