From Don't Stop to Songbird - a look back at Christine McVie's career.

Christine McVie, who played with Fleetwood Mac and wrote some of their most famous songs, has died aged 79, her family has said.

The British singer-songwriter was behind hits including Little Lies, Everywhere, Don't Stop, Say You Love Me, and Songbird.

She died peacefully at a hospital in the company of her family, a statement said.

The family's statement said "we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally".

Born Christine Perfect, McVie married Fleetwood Mac bassist John McVie, and joined the group in 1971.

In the same year after the success of their live album The Dance, she retired to Kent, saying a fear of flying meant she was leaving the band.

But she rediscovered her love of performing at a one-off appearance with the band at London's O2 in 2013 and returned to them a year later.

A statement by the band said of McVie: "We were so lucky to have a life with her.

Christine McVie was an essential member of the complicated cast of characters that made up one of the greatest bands ever.

Few people could have written and sung lyrics so seemingly soppy as "I love you, I love you, I love you like never before", as she did on the classic Songbird, and sounded like they meant them so deeply.

"That's the trick about writing a love song," she said.

Fleetwood Mac's Christine McVie dies at 79