United Kingdom, Aug. 5 -- Chris Rea left an estate worth more than £12 million to his family after his death aged 74, newly released court documents show.

The the singer-songwriter - whose festive anthem Driving Home for Christmas became one of Britain's most enduring seasonal hits - left a final will which placed the bulk of his fortune into a trust for his wife, Joan, while also ensuring she would inherit his personal possessions and future royalties from his extensive catalogue.

According to The Sun, High Court probate records show Chris, who died three days before Christmas last year aged 74, left an estate valued at £14,435,894 before deductions.

After taxes, debts and administration costs, the net value stood at £1...