Monmouthshire singer Ricky Valance dies aged 84

Welsh singer Ricky Valance has died at the age of 84 in Spain, his agent has confirmed.

He was born David Spencer in Monmouthshire in April 1936, became the first Welshman to have a solo UK Number One hit with the song 'Tell Laura I Love Her' in 1960.

He enjoyed huge success with the song 'Tell Laura I Love Her' It was a controversial song upon its release, with the lyrics detailing the story of a boy called Tommy who dies in a race he joins to win enough money to marry his sweetheart, Laura.

The 'teenage tragedy song' was banned from airplay by the BBC, but sold more than a million copies and reached the Number One spot thanks to Radio Luxembourg.

His agent said Valance had been diagnosed with dementia and had been in hospital since before lockdown.