NORTH Yorkshire-born composer John Barry has died aged 77.

Mr Barry, originally from York, wrote scores for films , but is best known for his association with the James Bond movie franchise.

Born John Barry Prendergast in York in 1933, he was educated at St Peter's School, York, and received composition lessons from Francis Jackson, Organist of York Minster.

He won five Academy Awards - two for Born Free, and one for The Lion in Winter, Out of Africa and Dances with Wolves.

Other major film scores included Zulu, The Ipcress File and Midnight Cowboy.

A statement released by his family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of composer John Barry announce his passing on the 30th of January 2011 in New York."

Mr Barry is survived by his wife of 33 years, Laurie, and his four children and five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be strictly private and a memorial service will be held later this year in the UK.

Barrys arrangement of Monty Norman's James Bond theme made his name and he wrote songs for many of the films.

Fellow composer David Arnold, who took over Bond music duties from Barry, told fans on Twitter: "I am profoundly saddened by the news but profoundly thankful for everything he did for music and for me personally."