Hollywood hardman Sylvester Stallone says he wants to be a role model to youngsters.

The Rocky star was in London's West End for the premiere of The Expendables which he wrote, directed and appears in.

The film boasts a stunning array of muscle including Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Arnold Swarzenegger and Bruce Willis.

The plot centres on a group of ex-SAS soldiers who battle an evil drugs baron.

Stallone, 64, said: "Every generation has to have a hero and this generation has the superhero, it's evolved. But after Avatar it's like, 'Stop, let's go back to basics'.

"Young men need good examples, role models. I know I do, and I hope I might be one of the influences on young guys."

The veteran action star was delighted to see British military officers in uniform on the red carpet as the premiere was supporting military charity The ForceSelect Foundation.

Stallone marched around a group of guards in bearskin hats and tried to jump up to match their height.

He was also amused to hear the crowd filling Leicester Square cheer "Rocky! Rocky!".

He laughed: "Unbelievable - These guys weren't even born."

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