Jones left devastated

Singer Tom Jones has cancelled a string of shows as a mark of respect to his mother who has died of cancer.

The Welsh-born star is said to be devastated after Freda Woodward, 87, died in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on Friday.

He was due to be performing in Las Vegas until February 12 before touring the UK in April and May.

The 62-year-old singer is reported to have cancelled the Las Vegas shows as a mark of respect to his mother who he called his "driving force".

Jones's parents moved to California 25 years ago and his father Thomas, a miner who died in 1981, is buried there.

The star's cousin, Dorothy Woodward, told BBC Radio Wales: "When he (Jones) heard the news he was devastated, even though they were expecting it.

"I know that she is being buried in Forest Lawns where my uncle is buried.
"It was said that she would like to be buried in Wales, but also that she would like to be buried with my uncle."

Freda had hoped to return to Wales when first diagnosed with cancer in 1997 but was too ill to travel.

It is not yet known where her funeral will be held.

Tom Jones, whose full name is Thomas Jones Woodward, grew up in Treforest, Pontypridd, in south Wales.

He has been nominated for an outstanding contribution to music award at this year's Brit Awards.