SO here it is — Merry Christmas!

Glam rockers Slade have been forced to pull the plug on their gig at the Riviera Centre in Torquay next month.

But the band — whose most enduring hit is the raucous festive favourite — will be in town for a Christmas party at Pure nightclub on the harbourside in December instead.

Now the Glitter Band will take their place at the top of the bill for a party night at the ERC on August 14.

The reason for the reshuffle is that Slade guitarist Dave Hill has suffered a minor stroke and the Torquay gig is one of a number they have been forced to call off.

Promoter John Ross said: "I understand that Dave is going to make a full recovery, but at the moment, he is not well enough to perform.

"However, we are delighted that the band are planning to come back in December.

"Pure is on the site of the old 400 Ballroom, and that's where Slade played when they first came to Torquay."

Hill, who is 64, performs with original Slade drummer Don Powell in the band.

His agent Abi Carter said Hill was on the road to recovery, and described it as a "very, very, very mild stroke".

The Glitter Band will be supported by Kent rockers Heroes on August 14.

Further glam events planned in Torquay by Mr Ross include Alvin Stardust at the Princess Theatre on November 19 and a Christmas Glam-Rock Ball featuring the Glitter Band and BC Sweet at the Riviera Centre on December 3.