Mick Ralphs, one of the founding members of the Herefordshire band, Mott the Hoople, is recovering in hospital after he suffered a stroke last week.

Mr Ralphs, who is 72, played on some of the band’s most well-known songs, including All the Young Dudes, which David Bowie gifted to the group in 1972.

In 1973, he left the group and went on to form Bad Company with Paul Rodgers of Free.

Bad Company said in an official statement on Facebook: "Mick is receiving excellent medical care and is recovering in hospital, although all his public engagements are necessarily on hold, pending his improvement.

"Everyone is wishing Mick a speedy recovery, and further news will be announced at the appropriate time."