TRIBUTES have been paid to comedy writer Jimmy Perry, who created Dovercourt-based TV sitcom Hi-de-Hi!

The 93-year-old died at his home in London on Sunday morning surrounded by loved ones, after a brief illness.

The screenwriter, who worked closely with producer David Croft, was also responsible for popular TV comedy shows Dad’s Army, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and You Rang M’Lord?

His writing in Hi-de-Hi drew on his experiences as a Butlin’s holiday camp Redcoat.

The show was set in the fictional holiday camp of Maplins, but was partly filmed in the former Warners holiday park in Dovercourt.

It was a smash hit, winning a Bafta in 1984 for Best Comedy Series, and ran for nine series and 58 episodes.

Tony Tarran, of Beach Road, Dovercourt, runs the Hi-de-Hi! Appreciation Society website and runs get-togethers with actors and loyal fans every few years.

He said: “I have known Jimmy nearly 20 years and he has come to three of our events in Dovercourt over the years.

“Without him maybe Hi-de-Hi! would not have come to Warners and it would not have become part of Dovercourt history.

“I was a teenager when Hi-De-Hi! was at its height, but I remember the buzz of excitement when the cast was in town.

“Jimmy was a warm and generous person and a true gentleman.

“He had very fond memories of staying at the Cliff Hotel every year and filming at Warners for two weeks every year.

“He was in awe of his fans in Dovercourt. He found it hard to believe people loved his programmes so much.

“Jimmy has left us with a tradition of great British comedy that will be watched and enjoyed for years to come.”

Ian Lavender, 70, who played Private Pike in Dad’s Army, also paid tribute to the comedy writer.

He said: “It is certainly the end of an era, and of course brings back many wonderful memories, lots of good times together with much shared laughter. I will miss him being here.”

Others who worked with Perry and fans of his shows said he has left a great legacy.

Tim Hancock said: “As his agent of many years, I have never met anyone as generous, dignified, funny and with as big a heart as Jimmy. He will be sadly missed.”