Former singer sues Village People

Singer Victor Willis left the Village People in 1980

Ex-Village People lead singer Victor Willis is suing the new version of the group claiming they have used his picture and voice for promotion.

Willis, the band's original policeman, wants $1m (£675,400) and an order to stop his image and voice being used.

He is suing their promoter Sixuvus Ltd, agents the William Morris Agency, and Can't Stop Productions, which owns the trademark to the name.

The companies involved have not yet commented on the case.

The singer, who left the Village People in 1980, is also suing several venues where the new line-up have played.

Last year, the 57-year-old had surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords leading to the cancellation of his Disco Dance Tour 2008.

In 2006, Willis avoided jail on drug offences after agreeing to undergo a lengthy drug treatment programme.

The Village People originally formed in 1977 and the group have sold more than 80 million albums and singles.

Willis co-wrote some of the camp disco group's biggest hits - including 1979's YMCA.