The matriarch of the musical Bonner family has died.

Violet Bonner who is the mother of entertainers Richie Spice, Pliers, Spanner Banner and Snatcha Lion died at the Medical Associates Hospital in St Andrew on Monday after ailing for some time.

Spanner tells Music News he had to give his brothers Richie and Snatcha the news via telephone as they are on tour in Europe.

Violet Bonner was 74 years old.