CLIFFORD T Ward's songs would be covered by Art Garfunkel and Cliff Richard but it was at Stourport Secondary Modern School where his singing first attracted attention.

He first honed his talent in the school choir and between classes met the inspiration for so many of his future songs.

Clifford, born on February 10, 1944, met wife Pat when he was 14 and she 13.

On leaving school he formed Cliff Ward and the Cruisers who became a big hit on the Midlands circuit.

The band was later renamed Martin Raynor and the Secrets and ultimately the Secrets but despite extensive touring and six singles they failed to make it in the pop world.

With a wife and family to feed Clifford decided to get a "real" job in 1968 and after three years training taught English at Bromsgrove High School.

However, he continued singing/songwriting and within two years stormed the charts with Gaye, which sold more than a million worldwide.

Following his breakthrough hit he released his second album Home Thoughts - seen as the pinnacle of his career.

He quit teaching to concentrate on recording but the shy singer shunned the pop lifestyle and refused to tour and perform live gigs.

Interviews, photograph sessions and TV appearances were only made when absolutely necessary.

The family man was still producing highly-rated work but commercial success eluded him as Punk exploded on the pop scene.

Clifford was still busy recording albums from his home studio when he was struck down with MS in 1984.

It was a disease he fought bravely but ultimately its debilitating effect meant he could no longer perform or record.

He fell on hard times financially but friends and fellow pop stars rallied round to support benefit events.

Two years ago Dave Cartwright's biography Bittersweet: The Clifford T Ward Story was published to critical acclaim.

At the time his wife Pat said: "It is not a hagiography of Cliff but a 'warts and all' piece.

"There is a lot of humour in the book and there is hope too - Cliff is waving not drowning."

He leaves Pat, four children and three grandchildren.