A fan who formed part of the “inner circle” of a reclusive 1960s pop icon is appealing for help in writing her biography.

Mark Willerton wants to hear from family and friends of Barkingside’s “blonde bombshell” Kathy Kirby, who died in May aged 72.

Ms Kirby, who grew up in Tomswood Hill and attended Ursuline Convent School shot to fame with her hit Secret Love before enjoying a string of top ten hits in the 1960s.

Mr Willerton, who runs her official fan site, said: “I was a friend of Kathy’s for almost thirty years, so feel I’m qualified to take on such a project.

“The past 27 years Kathy had been very much a recluse, so I was privileged to have been a part of her select inner circle.

“With a wealth of memorabilia, letters and private photographs to assist me, I’m enjoying the challenge so far.”

The writer has sent a plea to residents of Ilford from the 1950s who may have known the fledgling star or her family.

You can contact Mr Willington through his website www.kathykirby.org.uk.