NEWS of the death of Status Quo rock legend Rick Parfitt brought back memories for people in Taunton Deane and West Somerset.

The story of the popular band began at Butlins', in Minehead, in 1965, when Parfitt met up with a member of another band playing there.

His name was Francis Rossi and the town musicians hit it off immediately, teaming up as Status Quo and producing a string of hits in the ensuing years such as Rockin' All Over The World and Whatever You Want.

Parfitt went on to marry Marietta Boeker, from Milverton, and the couple had two children, Rick junior and Heidi, who died at the tender age of two.

The couple split up soon after their daughter's death amid claims of Parfitt's drug taking and drinking.

The star suffered poor health in recent years and missed Status Quo's concert in Taunton's Vivary Park this summer following a heart attack.

He died aged 68 in hospital in Marbella, Spain, after contracting an infection during treatment for a shoulder injury.