Lennon remembered as anniversary nears

Friends and family of John Lennon have given their memories of the star as the 25th anniversary of his death nears.

They are recalling the singer, who was shot dead in New York on December 8, 1980, for Radio Times magazine.

Ex-wife Cynthia Lennon said John Lennon never "lost the pain of his childhood" and that it was "a crucial part of John's aggressiveness and creativity", while Rolling Stones star Keith Richards said the singer was "a great bloke".

Cilla Black, who got her big break when Lennon recommended her to The Beatles manager Brian Epstein, said the singer was "very, very sensitive" and that "if he thought he'd hurt anyone he'd be mortified".