PUNK icons Buzzcocks have backed a campaign to get their hit Ever Fallen In Love to number one following the death of Leigh-born frontman Pete Shelley.

An online has won the support of thousands after the passing of the 63-year-old after a heart attack at his home in Estonia on Thursday, December 6.

A petition on Change.org, has been set up to get Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't Have) to number one.

It reads: “40 years on from the incredible track being released, the band deserves its first number one, plus it would be a brilliant tribute to Pete Shelley. The charts run from Friday to Friday, so get downloading the iconic song below and help us salute Pete!”

The official Buzzcocks Facebook account has shared the appeal, saying: "While we are not the ones who started this campaign have at it if you like."

Pete formed the band in 1975 in Bolton with Howard Devoto.

After his passing, the group's management said: "It's with great sadness that we confirm the death of Pete Shelley, one of the UK's most influential and prolific songwriters and co-founder of the seminal original punk band Buzzcocks.

"Pete's music has inspired generations of musicians over a career that spanned five decades and with his band and as a solo artist, he was held in the highest regard by the music industry and by his fans around the world."

Pete leaves behind his wife and his son Alex.

A petition has been set up by Paul Maiden to make a statue of Pete in Leigh.