David Bowie's final album has been nominated for the Mercury Prize following his death from cancer earlier this year.

Blackstar was released just days before the legendary musician succumbed to liver cancer in January at age 69.

It has been described as Bowie's "parting gift" to his fans as he secretly battled the illness.

The record has now been announced as among those of the shortlist for this year's Mercury award.

Blackstar will be up against albums by artists including Radiohead, Skepta and Laura Mvula, as well as The 1975 and Bat For Lashes.

Bookies at Ladbrokes said Bowie was the favourite to win the prize with odds of 2/1.

Spokesman Jessica Bridge said the Starman singer was "bound to be the emotional choice" but added they weren't ruling out a shock.

Blackstar shot to the top of the UK charts in the wake of Bowie's shock death as fans around the world paid emotional tribute.

It became the year's fastest selling album with over 150,000 sales within a week.

There was also speculation that Bowie referenced his own death in the album track Lazarus which has the lyrics "Look up here, I'm in heaven".

The Mercury panel said of the contenders: "This is music to make sense of our unsettling times - heartfelt, angry, thoughtful, and thrilling."

They added that all the albums were marked by their "musical ambitions, unexpected instrumentation and breathtaking arrangements."

Fans will be able to vote for their favourite to make the final six at www.mercuryprize.com.