TRIBUTES have been paid to hit Lancashire-born songwriter Barry Mason who has died aged 85.

Barry, who grew up in Coppull, helped launch the careers of Engelbert Humperdinck and Tom Jones, penning world famous hits like Delilah and The Last Waltz alongside his songwriting partner Les Reed.

The pair also notched up a UK number one in 1968 with I Pretend for Des O’Connor with Barry also writing the lyrics for Edison Lighthouse’s 1970 chart-topper Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes).

The Lancastrian went on to write Girl of Mine (1973) for Elvis Presley and composed several songs with Charles Aznavour.

He also co-wrote the footballing anthems Marching On Together (Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!) for Leeds United and We Got The Whole World In Our Hands for Nottingham Forest.

Barry's father, Cecil Mason, was a journalist on the Wigan Observer, but he died during the Second World War with his mother going on to marry an American GI and move to the US.

A number of famous musicians took to social media to pay tribute on hearing of his death.

Sir Tim Rice wrote: "Very sad music business news. The wonderful lyricist Barry Mason who wrote so many hit songs, many with Les Reed, has died. He was a delightful modest fellow and will be greatly missed by his many songwriting and musical friends. RIP Barry."

Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp, wrote: "Shocked to hear that my friend and lovely human Barry Mason died yesterday. A great songwriter who won five Ivor Novello Awards and co-wrote Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes, Delilah, the Last Waltz and many more. All my love to his wife Vanessa and his children."