ONE of the founding members of British band Level 42, Boon Gould, has died at his home in Dorset at the age of 64.

Rowland Charles Gould, known as Boon, formed the band with brother Phil Gould, frontman Mark King and Mike Lindup on the Isle of Wight in 1979.

They went on to have huge chart hits with 'Lessons in Love' and 'Running in the Family' among others.

Mark King, the bassist and vocalist in Level 42, put out a message to fans saying: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to tell you of the passing of our dear friend and brother Boon Gould.

"Dorset Police confirmed that he was found dead at his home on Tuesday morning. You are at peace now Boon, no more pain mate. Thank you for everything."

His brother, Phil Gould, said: "My heart is beyond broken. RIP Roland Charles ‘Boon’ Gould, my brother, 1955-2019."

Keyboardist Mike Lindup said: "Boon. Still taking it in. Thoughts and love to his families.

Mr Gould had not played with the band for several years.