Hundreds of fans hit Facebook site set up for Slade's Dave Hill

Hundreds of Slade fans from across the world have posted get well messages on a website that has been set up to wish stricken guitarist Dave Hill a speedy recovery.

The 64-year-old suffered a minor stroke after coming off stage in Germany 11 days ago. He is recovering at his home in Wolverhampton after flying back to the UK at the weekend.

More than 520 fans from Australia, America and all over Europe have left messages to the Black Country popstar who was on a mini-tour with fellow 70s glamrock band Sweet when he fell ill.

He was taken to hospital and a further two dates, in Sweden and Switzerland, were cancelled. The Facebook account, called Get Well Soon Dave, was set up by 20-year-old Claire Gibbons of Carlton Close, Coseley, who has been a fan since she was a toddler and used to listen to her dad David's Slade records.

She said: "It's difficult to contact celebrities so I was hoping that by setting up a Facebook page he would see how much fans think of him.

"He's my hero, I was really upset when I read about the stroke. I can't believe how much support we've got - there were 370 hits in the first 24 hours.

"We've asked people to post their photos and memories of Dave."

Although she was too young to remember the band in their heyday, the newly-qualified teacher says she is one of the band's biggest fans. Abbie Carter, who manages Hill, has been in touch with her and thanked her for setting up the page.

"She really liked it and said she would be showing Dave," said Claire, who has met the band at various gigs."They're a local band and really lovely guys. Dave's always had time for fans. This is just our way of showing how much we care about him."

Hill, a grandfather, is recovering at his home in Lower Penn.

A 49-year-old Facebook user who goes by the name of Doc Martyn was impressed by the number of messages posted already."It just goes to show how much Dave is a legend to all of us. I hope he does get to see this page so he will see how much we are all behind him," he wrote.