There is not a generation alive whose hearts he didn’t touch with his warmth and talent as for seven long decades Bernard Cribbins bestrode British television, film and theatre.

He entertained us with his superb comic timing and effortless character acting. But it was the charm and modesty of this peculiarly British performer that most struck a chord with the nation.

Cribbins shone in so many of our all-time broadcasting gems, like the Carry On films, Doctor Who, Coronation Street, Fawlty Towers, The Avengers, The Good Old Days, Jackanory, Worzel Gummidge, Last Of The Summer Wine, The Wombles, and had two hits with the most British of cultural quirks, the comedy record.