Roger Whittaker dead: Durham Town folk singer known for hit song The Last Farewell & his ‘expert whistling’ dies aged 87

FOLK singer Roger Whittaker has died at the age of 87.

The star was famous for his 1969 hit song Durham Town and his expert whistling performances.

His other hits included The Last Farewell and New World in the Morning.

Whittaker sold nearly 50 million records around the world.

The legend was born in Nairobi to English parents in 1936 before moving to Britain in September 1959.

The music of East Africa left a mark on Roger's childhood.

He explained: "In over 30 years of singing and playing musical sounds - the wonderful drumming, and those marvellous, infectious rhythms - have played a great part in everything I have ever written and sung."

Once in Britain he studied zoology, biochemistry, and marine biology, while pursuing a passion in music at local folk clubs.

After university he had his first major breakthrough when he was signed to appear on an Ulster Television show called "This And That."

However, he did not gain much notoriety in England until he recorded his own compositions Durham Town (The Leavin') in 1969.

Roger also guested regularly on TV, including on Top of the Pops.

In 1971 he was the host of Whittaker's World of Music.

Roger's website tonight announced his death with a picture of the late musician, alongside his year of birth and death.

He died of a stroke at his home in France, it is understood.

Fans have been leaving comments in an online book of condolences.

One person wrote: "The Last Farewell....A truly great troubadour who brought so much pleasure wherever he performed."

And comedian Matt Lucas also paid tribute on Twitter, writing: "The great Roger Whittaker has passed away.

"I adored Durham Town and The Last Farewell. Beautiful, warm, catchy songs. I am glad I got to see him perform live."