FIREFIGHTERS struggled to get ahead of a raging wildfire that was moving dangerously close to an area of the idyllic coastal city Santa Barbara.

Strong winds were pushing a fierce wildfire above the California coastal city of Santa Barbara closer to populated areas and forced thousands more to flee their homes.

The funeral of singer Gene Pitney is to be held tomorrow in his US home town, it emerged today.

Singer Gene Pitney has died in the middle of his UK tour, his agent said today.

SOFT Cell singer Marc Almond received a message of support from past recording partner Gene Pitney yesterday as he fought for his life after a motorcycle crash.