Mitch Winehouse has described the first anniversary of the passing of his daughter Amy Winehouse as “horrible” as he revealed plans for an official memorial in Camden.

In an exclusive interview with the Ham&High, Mr Winehouse spoke about his daughter’s death and the work of the Amy Winehouse Foundation (AWF).

The five-time Grammy award-winning singer was discovered dead, aged just 27, from alcohol poisoning at her Camden Square home in Camden Town on July 23 last year.

Her family held a Jewish ceremony in the house to mark the occasion, while hundreds of fans left tributes, messages and flowers.

Her father said: “We said our prayers. It was a beautiful ceremony. All our friends and family were there. We went out and spoke to the hundreds of people outside the house.

“It was a horrible day as it was the first anniversary since Amy’s death.”

The Amy Winehouse Foundation was set up in his daughter’s memory to support charities that provide help or care for young people suffering ill-health, disability, financial disadvantage or addiction.

Mr Winehouse admitted the work the family was doing at the foundation had helped them get through a difficult year.

“In the short time that Amy has been dead, we have been able to help people in a positive way,” he said.

“It helps us a great deal. We have a focus. We love the work that Amy Winehouse Foundation is doing. It would be more difficult if we did not have the foundation.”

The foundation has funded different charities in Camden, including the London Irish Centre in Camden Square, Camden Town, and youth homeless project New Horizons in Chalton Street, Somers Town.

It provides meals for 60 young people every day at New Horizons and has also funded a part-time music tutor and upgraded its music room.

The foundation is also working on an outreach programme with charity Noah’s Ark to build a children’s hospice in Barnet.

Earlier this month, the biography Amy, My Daughter was published by Mitch. It made the top 10 non-fiction bestseller list and money from the book sales is being ploughed back into the foundation.

After Amy died, there were discussions about erecting a memorial statue outside the Camden Roundhouse.

Mr Winehouse admitted there are plans for a permanent memorial but he could not reveal the details.

“We can’t speak about it until it’s official,” he said. “All I can tell you, it’s going to be fantastic. I’m excited, but our excitement is tempered by the fact that Amy is not here with us.”