THE biographer of Clifford T Ward has just published what will be the final version of the Stourport singer-songwriters story - featuring a chapter all his fans knew was coming.

Cliff died two years ago next Thursday from multiple sclerosis and the latest version of Bittersweet, by lifelong friend Dave Cartwright, features a chapter on the last stages of his life.

Mr Cartwright said: "It was a very sad thing to do because Cliff was very pleased with the original version of the book but he wouldn't have seen this new version, which I knew was the case even then. It was a traumatic experience for me."

The new book, finally in paperback after the initial hardback version of 1999 sold out, also adds new facts including Cliff's relationship with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page.

Mr Cartwright said Cliff's death - following a 17-year battle with the disease - has stoked interest in the career of a man who struck gold with the classics Home Thoughts from Abroad and Gaye.

"I was sending the hardback out to publications to review and it didn't get a mention but as soon as someone dies he gets attention, he gets half pages in The Times and The Independent. It's the old adage - death is a good career move."

Ironically Home Thoughts from Abroad beat Led Zeppelin and even The Beatles to be named the fourth best British song of the last 50 years, in a 2002 Radio 2 poll, putting Cliff back into the spotlight for the first time since his early 1970s heyday.

Mr Cartwright - who lives in Worcester and knew Cliff from the 1960s - said the book was an "excellent tribute" and would be eagerly snapped up by fans who have until now taken to paying extraordinary amounts for an original hardback copy.

He said: "I think his stature will grow since his death because the songs are just waiting to be covered and brought to a whole new audience."