No new dates for axed Elton gigs

• Sir Elton John has offered fans ticket refunds for his cancelled UK concerts after they could not be rescheduled. The 62-year-old was forced to call off dates in Sheffield, Newcastle, London and Liverpool after being treated in hospital for flu and E. coli.

  "Sadly, due to venue availability and the scale of the Red Piano show, these shows cannot be rescheduled and have now been cancelled," said his promoter.

  Sir Elton was "terribly disappointed", a Marshall Arts spokesperson added.

  "Elton has been overwhelmed by the tremendous loyalty and messages of support he has received from his fans in the UK. "

  Ticket holders will be refunded the full face value of their tickets and should contact the point of purchase.

  Sir Elton has said he has been "bouncing around" following his recent bout of ill health.

  "The worst thing was having to cancel shows," he said at his annual Aids Foundation benefit in New York on Monday. "I hate that. "

  Source: BBC News - Tyne