BLACKBURN fashion designer Gary Aspden has been ranked above Victoria Beckham in a poll of fashion's most powerful figures.

The Face magazine's 'Haute 100' lists Darwen-born Gary at number 75, up from last year's 89. Gary, 33, has recently been promoted to global head of Adidas's Entertainment Promotions, which means he uses his skills to dress stars including David Bekham and the So Solid Crew.

The list puts David higher than Posh Spice, at 87, and Pamela Anderson at 96. Dad Allan, who still lives on Kelvin Street, Darwen, said: "He has done really well. He is really a designer but he got into trainers. We only see him occasionally, but he is a fanatical Rovers supporter and he is trying to get up for the Arsenal game!"

In his job, Gary is in charge of promoting Adidas away from the athletics world by convincing stars to wear the firm's clothes and trainers. Gary is famous for his vast personal collection of Adidas trainers, and his work takes him around the world.

The former Blackburn Art College pupil studied a degree in fashion promotion at the University of Central Lancashire and now lives in London.