Richard felt 'free' on b-day first time in three years

London: Singer Cliff Richard felt "free" on his birthday last week for the first time in three years following the sex abuse charges against him being dropped.

"I feel great; I feel absolutely fantastic. This is the first birthday in three years that I've been able to feel really comfortable. I feel free," Richard, who turned 76 on October 14, told mirror.co.uk.

"It wasn't very pleasant what happened. From now on I hope my birthdays will all be very nice," he added.

Officers investigating allegations of sex offences searched Richard's Berkshire home in August 2014. He was named as the subject of the investigation, but was never arrested or charged.

His case was discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service in June on the grounds of insufficient evidence. A challenge by two of his accusers over the decision was recently rejected.