Boy George has paid tribute to Poly Styrene, the punk singer who has died at the age of 53.

Styrene, the singer with X Ray Spex, passed away on Monday (April 25) after a battle with cancer of the spine and breast.

In a message on Twitter, Boy George wrote: "I was a fan of Poly before I got to know her, she was a Krishna follower too, oh bless you Polly you will be missed! Legend!"

A statement released on the singer's own page said: "We can confirm that the beautiful Poly Styrene, who has been a true fighter, won her battle on Monday evening to go to higher places."

Styrene - real name  Marianne Elliot-Said - formed X Ray Spex after being inspired by seeing Sex Pistols perform live.

The band released one album 'Germ Free Adolescents', in 1978, before their split.

(by Jason Gregory)