Drizabone co-founder Billy Freeman dies

Billy Freeman - co-founder of Drizabone - has died at the age of 61.

His record label Dome made the announcement on social media, saying he'd passed away following a short illness.

Freeman - previously known as Billy April - formed Drizabone with Vince Garcia in 1991 and had their biggest success with "Real Love" - a staple of the Total Soul playlist which reached the UK top 20 with vocals from Sophie Jones.

They released their debut album - "Conspiracy" - on Island Records in 1994 which included another Total Soul favourite, "Brightest Star".

Dome founder Peter Robinson says: "Billy was a very talented musician and songwriter, a great friend of the label over the past 15 years, someone who truly loved classic soul music".

"He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his wife Pat and daughter Rachel".