Braintree-based actor Malcolm McFee has died after a long illness.

Missed- Malcolm McFee at the Wagon and Horses pub in Braintree, which he ran

The 52-year-old, who found fame in the school sitcom Please Sir! and was diagnosed with cancer three years ago, raised thousands of pounds for cancer sufferers. He was also a familiar face to regulars of the Wagon and Horses pub, which he ran.

He was born in Forest Gate, the youngest of three brothers, and had his sights set on an acting career from an early age. Mr McFee left school at 16 to become an actor.

The star sprang to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, when he made audiences roll about with laughter in the popular school comedy Please Sir! and its equally successful spin-off The Fenn Street Gang. The two series spanned five years and more than 100 episodes, with Mr McFee playing scallywag pupil Peter Craven.

He was also a favourite in Oh What a Lovely War, and his other television credits included The Sweeney, The Bill, Goodnight Sweetheart and Birds of a Feather.

He directed and starred in more than 250 shows, particularly pantomimes.

Mr McFee was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and held a range of charity events to raise funds for the Oncology Unit at Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, including a Rick Wakeman concert at the Braintree Institute and a number of celebrity golf days.

His brother Douglas said: "He was a typical younger brother, we all got on really well together."

He leaves his wife Jacqui, step-daughter Leane and son Calum.

Dr Saad Tahir, consultant oncologist for mid-Essex Hospitals NHS Trust, who saw Mr McFee during his illness, said: "He was a fantastic man and an inspiration to staff and patients. He was always cracking jokes and remained very upbeat.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

He added: "We are eternally grateful to Malcolm for his help in raising money for the hospital.

"Most recently he raised £3,400 by organising a golf day and concert. The money is being used to buy equipment to help other cancer patients."

Published Tuesday December 4, 2001