A British court has banned convicted paedophile and 1970s glam rocker Gary Glitter from travelling to France and Spain, it emerged on Monday.

A magistrates court imposed the ban, which runs until 25 March, at a hearing last Thursday following a request from the police, the court said.

Kent Police refused to explain its request but a spokesperson said it would "do everything necessary to protect children in this country, or abroad".

Glitter was convicted in Vietnam in March 2006 of "obscene acts" with two girls aged 11 and 12, and returned to London in August after his release from jail.

He had been turned away from Hong Kong and Thailand before heading to Britain, where he was orderd to sign the sex offenders register, which requires him to alert police to his whereabouts.

Glitter, whose real name is Paul Gadd, insists he is innocent and that his trial in Vietnam was a sham.

The 64-year-old was the dazzling king of the over-the-top glam era, complete with extravagant make-up, bouffant wigs, silver jumpsuits and high boots.

He sold more then 20 million records and had a string of stomping hits like 'I'm The Leader Of The Gang (I Am)' and 'Rock and Roll (Parts 1 and 2)'.