Rafferty is alive and well and making music in Tuscany

BAKER Street singer Gerry Rafferty is "extremely well" and living in Tuscany, his solicitors said today.

Fears had grown for the former Stealers Wheel frontman after friends and family reported they had not heard from him for more than six months.

Police were alerted when the musician, who had a 1972 hit with Stuck in the Middle with You, vanished last summer from St Thomas' Hospital where he was being treated for liver failure.

In a statement today his solicitors said Rafferty was alive and well and composing new songs at his home in Italy.

It read: "Contrary to reports Gerry is extremely well and has been living in Tuscany for the last six months. At his house there, which is situated just north of Florence, he continues to compose and record new songs and music.

"He would like to send a personal thank-you to all his fans who have expressed their concern for his wellbeing and he hopes to release a new album of his most recent work in the summer of this year."

Former bandmate Tony Williams said: "I'm delighted he's fine."