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Aled Jones: I owe a debt of gratitude to 'The Snowman' creator Raymond Briggs

CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - OCTOBER 13:  Aled Jones poses for photographs after launching his new Christmas album
Aled Jones poses for photographs after launching his new Christmas album One Voice At Christmas. (Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images)

Aled Jones has said he owes a "debt of gratitude" to The Snowman creator Raymond Briggs following the death of the illustrator at the age of 88.

The Snowman was originally released as a book in 1978 with a musical film adaptation following in 1982.

Jones however did not sing in the adaptation but performed a cover of 'Walking in the Air' for a TV advert three years later, which was a huge chart hit, and has gone on to be most closely associated with the song which charts regularly every Christmas.

Read more: Raymond Briggs, author of The Snowman, dies aged 88

Speaking on his Classic FM show after the news of Briggs' death broke, Jones said: "What a legacy he leaves behind.

"His books have touched millions of people all around the world, and what a debt of gratitude I owe to his greatest creation of all. Thank you, Raymond."

Raymond Briggs was the creator of 'The Snowman'. (Getty)
Raymond Briggs was the creator of 'The Snowman'. (Getty)

The classical singer then proceeded to play 'Walking in the Air' in tribute to the much-loved illustrator.

Briggs' death was confirmed this morning (10 August) by his family in a statement.

The family said: “We know that Raymond’s books were loved by and touched millions of people around the world, who will be sad to hear this news. Drawings from fans – especially children’s drawings – inspired by his books were treasured by Raymond and pinned up on the wall of his studio."

Aled Jones, 14 year old boy who sang The Snowman,
Aled Jones sold more than 100,00 copies of the BBC album Voices from the Holy Land in the United Kingdom. (Chris Patterson/Mirrorpix/Getty Images)

“He lived a rich and full life, and said he felt lucky to have had both his wife Jean and his partner of over 40 years Liz in his life.

“He shared his love of nature with Liz on South Downs walks and on family holidays to Scotland and Wales."

The Snowman sold more than 5 million copies around the world and Briggs is also the creator of Fungus the Bogeyman and the bestselling children's book Father Christmas.

Briggs is survived by his step-daughter Clare and her husband Fynn; his step-son Tom and his wife Sarah, and his three step-grandchildren.

Watch below: The Snowman author and illustrator Raymond Briggs dies aged 88