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One of the founding members of Seventies outfit Showaddywaddy has passed away, the group confirmed today. Trevor Oakes died peacefully last month aged 79 following "a long illness", the band's former frontman Dave Bartram, who also serves as their manager, revealed. He said: "Trevor was a unique character and a dedicated professional, without whom the band would never have quite scaled the dizzy heights we seemed destined to achieve.

"He was also a caring and affectionate family man, with a mischievous sense of humour, which will be sadly missed by all those dear to him. I could write a book about the incredible memories we've shared over the past fifty-seven years, but most of all I thank him from the bottom of my heart for his unwavering friendship." A source told The Sun that Oakes died in a Leicester care home and that his funeral has already taken place.

Showaddywaddy were established in 1973 when two outfits, Choise and the Golden Hammers, combined in Leicester. Trevor was part of Choice, alongside Dave Bartram, Al James, and Romeo Challenger. Showaddywaddy were renowned for their revivals of songs from the 50s and 60s and throughout their career, accumulated an impressive total of 209 weeks on the UK Singles Chart, boasting 10 top ten singles.

Trevor is understood to have departed the band, best known for their No.1 hit Under The Moon Of Love, in May 2009 when he was aged 62 following health struggles.

Showaddywaddy continue to tour but with only one of the original line-up still part of the group.

Two of Oakes' sons pursued careers as professional footballers, with Steffan Oakes turning out for Leicester City in the Premier League in the early 2000s.

Steffan's brother Scott featured more than 170 times for Luton Town in the 90s and also earned a cap for England U21s.