Gary Barlow has tweeted to thank his fans for their "overwhelming" support after his daughter Poppy was stillborn.

The Take That star and his wife Dawn issued a statement on Monday saying Poppy was delivered stillborn in London on Saturday.

The star told fans on Twitter: "Your kind words and lovely messages are overwhelming. Thank you."

The message comes as a charity fund is set up in his daughter's memory and aims to raise £100,000 for the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands.

The page, set up on justgiving.com, said the move is a "mark of respect".

Friend and colleagues of the singer also used Twitter to express their condolences.

Fellow X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos wrote: "My thoughts & prayers are with @GBarlowOfficial and wife dawn tonight. Heartbreaking x."

Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote: "Dearest Dawn & Gary, Madeleine & I are devastated about news of Poppy. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and your family."

The announcement has cast doubt on whether Barlow will appear at Sunday's Olympics closing ceremony.

The singer has been widely tipped to play the show with his Take That bandmates and a final decision is expected later this week.