Huw Lloyd-Langton, Hawkwind guitarist and member of Widowmaker, The Meads Of Asphodel and the Lloyd-Langton Group, has died, aged 61.

A statement released by Hawkwind reads: “Our great friend and fellow musician Huw Lloyd-Langton has sadly lost his long battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully last night (Thursday) at home, with his wife Marion by his side."

Lloyd-Langton played on the band's self-titled debut LP in 1970 after which he left, joining Widowmaker for two albums in 1976, before returning in 1979 to play on nine further albums. He departed in 1988, although he went on to make a number of guest appearances with the band and as solo support.

He also played as part of Leo Sayer and Steve Swindells's bands, and more recently as lead session guitarist for The Meads Of Asphodel, as well as fronting his own band, the Lloyd-Langton Group, with whom he released nine albums.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.