FANS of 70s Wyre Forest star Clifford T Ward are celebrating the full UK release of what is commonly regarded as his finest album - 20 years after it was made.

The legendary singer-songwriter died in December 2001 from pneumonia following a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

But his devotees are fighting hard to keep his memory alive by continuing to hold conventions and concerts - and are overjoyed that Both Of Us has finally seen the light of day on CD.

Once dubbed the new Paul McCartney, Clifford had a top 10 hit in the 70s with Gaye and had a huge fan in BBC Radio 2 presenter and TV personality Terry Wogan.

He also has a large following in Wogan's native Ireland, where Both Of Us was recorded after being turned down in England.

Clifford was not in fashion in the late 1970s, when many of the songs on Both of Us were written, according to Stephen Bagust, of the Friends of Clifford T Ward.

"People singing sad ballads were not in favour," he said.

"Clifford had a wealth of material. He didn't release an album at the end of the 70s. All the material was his but nobody wanted to know.

"In Dublin a record company said 'yes, we'll have it', but he had to produce it, do the artwork and promote it as well."

Until now the album has only been available on import. The CD has been put out by Cherry Red Records and should now be available in all good record shops.

The father of four, who was 57 when he died, met his wife Pat at Stourport Secondary Modern School and formed Cliff Ward and the Cruisers after leaving.

After a spell as an English teacher, Gaye was a hit and he concentrated on music again and was recording when he was struck down by MS in 1984.

Mr Bagust, who was a personal friend of the singer and visited him regularly, is delighted with the quality of the CD and is pleased the songs can now reach the audience they deserve.

"There are some great tracks on it. It's just too good not to have been released.

"It's the one album Clifford had 100 per cent control over without the interference of a record company.

"It's also the only album I listen to all the way through without skipping a track."

More information is available from www.cherryred.co.uk or www.cliffordtward.info.