Merseybeat star Frankie Connor has released his special tribute to the late country singer and fellow DJ - Kenny Johnson.

Our Country Boy (Has Gone Home) is Frankie’s self-penned, musical ‘thank you’ to his friend and colleague who died in 2015.

It was recorded at Gary Murphy’s GM Studios in Wirral.

Frankie, who was a member of the Hideaways, and is now a BBC Radio Merseyside presenter told the Globe: "Kenny was a true pal to me. He once confronted some lads from robbing my guitar back in 1964 when I was just 17 years-old.

"I was later lucky to work alongside him.

"I spoke at his funeral and now I have finally got round to putting my own heart-felt admiration for this great guy on record.

"I also felt that Kenny, who spent 40 years presenting his nationally acclaimed ‘Sounds Country’ programme on BBC Merseyside, never got the success he deserved with his groups The Hillsiders and later Northwind.

"I joined Radio Merseyside 20 years ago and the first person to wish me well was Kenny. He was a local legend and was loved on both sides of the Mersey.’’

The song features the lyrics: "You never made your fortune, but who said life was fair.

"But if we measure wealth by friendship, you were a millionaire.’’

The CD also features 10 bonus tracks.

Frankie dedicates songs to two other much-missed friends: His former writing partner Alan Crowley who died in 2013 and his brother Freddie – author of the best-selling book ‘Liverpool - It all Came Tumbling Down’ who passed away in May of this year.

Frankie’s limited edition CD will be played for the first time on Billy Butler’s show on August 9 and it can be bought at Music Box, Liverpool and Literally Books, New Brighton.

For more information email frankie.connor@bbc.co.uk