It may not sound very rock 'n' roll but Damart underwear - beloved of many grannies - has become the latest must-have accessory for today's ageing rock stars.

So when a reformed T-Rex were invited to play two gigs in Russia, drummer Paul Fenton's immediate thought was protecting his six-strong band from the freezing cold.

He contacted the Bingley-based company which agreed to give them the full underwear sets from long johns and scarves to gloves and vests, costing £100 apiece.

Paul said: "It was my first time in Russia and I heard that temperatures went down as low as minus 27 degrees C. I thought although we were only going to be there for the weekend it was prudent to 'get it on!'

"I'm from Batley and I thought there's a very well-known company that deals with that sort of situation.

"The band members, aged from their early 30s to 50s, were absolutely delighted and proud to wear it - much to the envy of the other bands taking part!

"There were quite a few re-formed bands from the 70s there and Dave Hills of Slade 2 said 'Where did you get that stuff from?' They all wanted them.

"Rock 'n' roll bands have always been trend-setters and we are going to get them all wearing Damart.

"We had a good response and have been invited to go back in November, and Damart are interested in sponsoring the band."

Jim Crosbie, Damart's business development manager, said: "We were delighted to help by keeping them warm in Russia where they are amazingly popular."

The company has turned its traditional image on its head with a successful joint venture with Shop, a trendy Soho boutique.

Shopgirl Damart is now responsible for clothing all manner of pop celebrities from Kylie Minogue to Madonna.