IT DOES not exactly exude rock star glam but The Darkness are heading north for a fishing holiday in the Lake District.

The band, who are no strangers to lipstick and lycra, are shunning regular rock star haunts Los Angeles and the South of France for the quiet charms of Cumbria.

The rock and reel action up North will be the band's first holiday in two years.

Drummer Ed Graham has been reported as saying: "It feels like we've not had a break for ever and we can't wait. Something really relaxing is what's needed because even when you have a supposed day off, you still have interviews to do. The Lake District is the place. A bit of hiking up mountains and a lot of fishing."

He added: "We're experienced anglers and we used to fish in Camden canal at the weekend. I used to pull a lot of fish out, perch mainly."

Secretary of Kendal and District Angling Club Tony Ryan put forward some suggestions for snake-hipped lead singer Justin Hawkins and his crew.

"If they're looking for good carp they should go to Ratherheath or Wyhins Pond, near Penrith," he said. "Whereas for pike they should be looking at Esthwaite Water, Rydal and Grasmere."

He also recommended the band, known for their skimpy spandex outfits, dress down for their date in the Lakes.

"I don't think they'll be wearing their usual gear not if they know anything about fishing," he joked. "If they wear the day-glo suits I think they'll be coming back empty handed and it's a bit nippy for that gear now."

The Darkness were propelled to international fame with the release of their debut album Permission To Land in July last year.