TRIBUTES have been paid to Ulverston-born Christine McVie – star of Fleetwood Mac - following a short illness at the age of 79.

The British-American rock band, founded in London in 1967, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the most successful groups ever.

Their best-known songs include Dreams, Go Your Own Way and Everywhere.

A statement from her family said: “It is with a heavy heart we are informing you of Christine’s death. She passed away peacefully at hospital this morning, Wednesday, November 30 2022, following a short illness.

“She was in the company of her family. We kindly ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this extremely painful time and we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally.”

Despite its tumultuous history, Fleetwood Mac became one of the best-known rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, comprising Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, as well as Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks.

McVie was born in Greenodd and lived in the village near Ulverston for the first years of her life before moving away.

In an interview with a national newspaper, McVie praised Cumbria as 'a beautiful part of the world'.

She said: "I was born in Greenodd and we lived there for three or four years before moving to Birmingham, where my father was a music teacher.

"Cumbria is a beautiful part of the world and we had a good time, but my distinct memory is of nearly drowning.

"I slipped in the mud and fell in the river, and they had to get me out using a fishing net."

READ MORE: Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie saved from drowning during Greenodd childhood

She opened up about her upbringing in response to a question about whether she still considers herself Cumbrian or whether growing up in Greenodd was a 'distant memory'.

Tributes have poured in from across the world following the music legend’s death.

A statement from Fleetwood Mac said on Twitter: “There are no words to describe our sadness at the passing of Christine McVie. She was truly one-of-a-kind, special and talented beyond measure.

“She was the best musician anyone could have in their band and the best friend anyone could have in their life.”

Singer-songwriter and keyboardist McVie penned Songbird, one of the band’s most famous tracks, as well as You Make Loving Fun, Oh Daddy and Little Lies.

McVie was among the eight members of the band who were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2017, she appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, revealing that she had retreated from the world and developed agoraphobia after she quit the band and moved from California to Kent.

McVie’s death comes two years after Fleetwood Mac co-founder Peter Green died at the age of 73.