S Club 7 stars send message to fans on how to honour Paul Cattermole - saying he 'will never be forgotten'

S Club 7 have encouraged fans who want to commemorate Paul Cattermole to donate to a youth musical theatre charity in his memory, in lieu of flowers.

The band's official Instagram account shared a message on Saturday night thanking fans for their love and support following the singer's death at the age of 46.

"Thank you to all our incredible fans and friends who have shared their love for our brother Paul," the message said. "In this difficult time for all of us, it gives us strength to know that he will never be forgotten.

"In lieu of flowers, Paul's family have requested that anyone who would like to can join us in making a donation in his honour to the National Youth Music Theatre, an organisation that brought Paul so much joy growing up."

The group finished the message by saying: "We love you all. S Club x."

The National Youth Music Theatre shared the post on its own accounts, saying it was "humbled and deeply touched by this kind gesture from Paul's family".

Donations will go to the theatre's bursary fund, which the organisation said supports those who would "otherwise be unable to benefit" from the experience that "Paul so enjoyed".

The organisation was first established in 1976 and offers opportunities for young people of all backgrounds aged 10 to 23, through workshops, masterclasses and courses led by industry professionals.

Cattermole's death was first announced by his family and S Club 7 on Friday.

He died unexpectedly, months before the seven-piece band were due to embark on their 25th anniversary reunion tour.

The singer's cause of death remains unknown.

Who was Paul Cattermole?

Born in March 1977, Cattermole landed his first big break in a performance of West Side Story.

He later joined the National Youth Music Theatre, where he met his S Club 7 bandmate Hannah Spearritt. The pair also dated for several years.

At the age of 16, Cattermole formed a heavy metal band called Skua, before meeting S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller.

After many auditions, the vocalist became a member of the group in 1998, alongside Spearritt, Stevens, Barrett, and McIntosh, as well as Jon Lee and Jo O'Meara.

The band soon became a hit, releasing four number one singles and one number-one album.

In 2000, the group won the Brit award for best British breakthrough act, followed up with best British single in 2002.

After much success, Cattermole left to join a metal band and the group eventually removed "7" from their name before they disbanded.

Earlier this year, they announced a reunion tour and said they were "so excited to bring the S Club party back to our fans across the country".

-sky news