REPORTER Karen Stephen admits to once wearing smiley T-shirts, baggy jeans and dancing in that funny, arm-waving way during many a Saturday night at the Hacienda.

She also freely admits to long-term fantasising over Charlatan's frontman, Tim Burgess.

Now a happily married mum-of-one, she took a trip down memory lane this week and went to a very special Charlatans gig.

I'VE had a crush on Charlatans singer Tim Burgess for years. Ever since I heard the opening chords of Indian Rope and saw this doe-eyed, cupid-bowed mouth of a frontman sashaying across the floor, I was hooked.

Since then, I've seen them play more times than I can remember -- although Red Stripe had a lot to do with that -- and, apart from last year's disappointing gig at the MEN Arena, I've hero worshipped from afar.

Apart from last Tuesday night that is.

Because I was one of the lucky, specially invited 500 who were treated to a "secret" Charlatans gig in the debating hall of Manchester University student's union.

And all thanks to my pal -- now my very best pal -- Mr Vernon Kay.

As you'll no doubt read in his column, he was filming the event for T4 and managed to get a couple of guest passes for me and my hubby.

The band were in good form and I swear Burgess had re-adopted his old "baggy" look especially for the occasion.

Telling Stories, North Country Boy and A Man Needs To Be Told -- they were all there and sounded even better than before. But, of course, it was the one we had all been waiting for that made us weep with joy.

And didn't Burgess know it. A cocky swagger and a knowing grin was enough introduction to The Only One I Know.

Have you ever seen grown men adopt a "baggy" dance? Not a pretty sight. But who cared? Absolutely no one. And to top the night off? A veggie kebab from Abduls on Oxford Road! Sorted. As we used to say.

Oh, and yes, I STILL love Tim.

Karen Stephen