The award-winning director David Lynch has died at the age of 78, his family have said.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Lynch's family said they would "appreciate privacy" during this time.

"There’s a big hole in the world now that he’s no longer with us," they wrote.

"But, as he would say, 'Keep your eye on the donut and not on the hole.'

"It's a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies all the way."

Mr Lynch was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for his films The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986) and Mulholland Drive (2001).

He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Elephant Man.

He also co-created the series Twin Peaks with Mark Frost.

The series, which developed a cult fanbase, was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.

David Lynch holding a camera Collection Christophel, Alamy