A LEGENDARY band with Herefordshire roots is hitting the comeback trail – in a tiny venue by the Wye.

Mott the Hoople stunned fans by announcing a warm-up gig at the 500-seater Blake Theatre in Monmouth.

The September 26 gig comes a month before a five-night residency at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Thousands of people from across the globe have bought tickets for the shows, their first for more than 30 years.

But local fans can see them first at the homecoming gig, as members live around Herefordshire and recorded at Rockfield Studios.

Tickets, priced £32, may be available at theblaketheatre. org or through its 01600 719400 box office number. But with some selling for £200 on eBay, fans may have to cross their fingers.