Roger Whittaker, one of the UK’s most celebrated folk music singers, has died aged 87.

A family statement, reported by German media outlet Bild, confirmed he died on September 13 in a hospital in southern France.

Whittaker was best known for hits including Durham Town, New World In The Morning and a version of Wind Beneath My Wings - and being an expert whistler.

“Roger was an iconic artist, a wonderful husband and father. He touched so many hearts with his music throughout his life and will always live on in our memories,” the family statement said.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1936 to English parents, Whittaker enrolled at university in South Africa after two years of national military service.