GERRY and the Pacemakers star Gerry Marsden has died at the age of 78.

The singer, known for hits like You’ll Never Walk Alone, died after a short illness.

His friend Pete Price wrote on Instagram: "It’s with a very heavy heart, after speaking to the family, that I have to tell you the legendary Gerry Marsden MBE, after a short illness which was an infection in his heart, has sadly passed away.

"I’m sending all the love in the world to Pauline and his family.

"You’ll Never Walk Alone."

Marsden’s hit You’ll Never Walk Alone has become one of the most famous football anthems in the world, sung regularly by fans at Liverpool FC’s Anfield.

The club tweeted: "It is with such great sadness that we hear of Gerry Marsden’s passing.

"Gerry’s words will live on forever with us."

The song enjoyed a resurgence during the coronavirus pandemic after a cover of the song, featuring Captain Sir Tom Moore, reached number one in the UK singles chart.

Gerry and the Pacemakers, a hit in the 1960s Merseybeat scene, completed sell-out tours around the world.