THE Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has remembered the "thrill" of hosting music legend Tito Jackson, who has died aged 70.

The singer and guitarist, who was a member of the world-famous The Jackson 5, visited the attraction several times.

Reacting to the news of his death, a spokesperson for the Severn Valley Railway said: "Tito visited the SVR quite a number of times. He had a wonderful time when he attended.

"It was great to see such an icon of popular music visiting us. It was quite a thrill".

Back in May 2018, the Shuttle reported how the legendary Motown star confessed his love of trains following his ride into Kidderminster.

He joined the railway at Bridgnorth and Tito and his team got comfortable in first-class before jumping on the footplate of Bradley Manor on arrival at Kidderminster.

At the time, he said: "I love the trains, they're such massive feats of engineering, and the Severn Valley is beautiful".

Having had a swing on the shovel and tried the driver's hat on for size, Tito sampled Kidderminster Refreshment Room's finest sandwiches before heading back to Bridgnorth with coffee in hand.

The musician, who was the older brother of late popstar Michael Jackson, was father to sons Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who said they were “shocked, saddened and heartbroken” at his death.

In an Instagram post, they said: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us.

“We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.

“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being.

“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T’.

“Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be “Tito Time” for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.

“Your boys, Taj, Taryll and TJ.”

Along with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael, Tito was part of the original line-up of The Jackson 5, a boyband who had hits with songs including I Want You Back and ABC in the early 1970s.

Born on October 15 1953, Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson was the least-heard member of the group as a background singer who played guitar.