Heart bypass for Pacemaker Gerry

Gerry Marsden has undergone major heart surgery today at a Liverpool hospital.

The Gerry and the Pacemakers singer checked into Broad Green hospital on Sunday night to have triple heart bypass surgery.

His daughter Yvette said that the 60-year-old star, who is due to celebrate his birthday next week, was upbeat before the operation.

Speaking from the family home this morning, she said: "He's obviously nervous, but he knows he's in good hands."

Marsden's wife of 38 years, Pauline, stayed with the singer at the hospital last night.

He learnt he needed the operation only after a routine check-up.

Marsden, who still tours with other sixties stars, has been told he must take three months off after the operation.

His daughter said: "Keeping him in the house for that long will be the most difficult thing. As soon as he's out, he'll be raring to go, and will want to get back out there on tour."