ROLLING STONES - RONNIE WOOD CHECKS INTO REHAB

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has checked into rehab, his spokeswoman has confirmed.

The 61-year-old is "seeking help" with his battle with alcohol, it was announced today.

"Following Ronnie's continued battle with alcohol he has entered a period of rehab," his spokeswoman announced.

"His close family and friends say he is seeking help and look forward to his recovery."

Recent media reports claimed the Rolling Stone had fled to Ireland with Russian cocktail waitress, Ekaterina Ivanova, 19.

He flew back on Tuesday after his son Jesse, 30, travelled to Ireland to talk Wood into returning.

This is not the first time he has undergone treatment for his addictions.

In 2002 he checked into a clinic to help battle his addiction with alcohol and in 1975 he had a plastic septum inserted into his nose after his long-term addiction to cocaine.