Jazz singer and author George Melly has died at his London home at the age of 80, his wife Diana has announced.

Jazz singer and author George Melly has died at his London home at the age of 80, his wife Diana has announced.

The flamboyant performer had been diagnosed with lung cancer and vascular dementia, a condition which affects the brain after small strokes.

Despite his illness, the jazz veteran was still appearing on stage in the weeks leading up to his death and appeared at the 100 Club in June. In January, the Liverpool-born musician was taken to hospital after collapsing on stage in East Sussex.