Family pay tribute to Chris Rea

SINGER Chris Rea, whose songs include the festive hit Driving Home For Christmas, has died at the age of 74, a spokesperson for his family said.

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The Middlesbrough-born musician was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had his pancreas removed in 2001, and in 2016 he suffered a stroke.

Rea found fame in the late Seventies and Eighties with hits such as Fool (If You Think It’s Over), Let’s Dance and The Road To Hell.

A statement from his family to the Press Association said: “Singer/songwriter and guitarist, Chris Rea passed away earlier today [Monday] in hospital following a short illness.