Comic and broadcaster was 59

Veteran broadcaster, musician and comic Tony Capstick has died at the age of 59.

Capstick was a local celebrity in South Yorkshire, where he presented a show on BBC Radio Sheffield for more than 30 years.

However, he was left the station in January this year, prompting a row over the dumbing down of the station.

Stand-up Toby Foster, who worked with him on the station for several months, said: "He was untouchable. An absolute refusal to leave South Yorkshire was the only reason he didn't become huge."

He started his career as a folk singer and comedian, and had a number of TV appearances to his name, including roles in Coronation Street and Last Of the Summer Wine, in which he played policeman Fred Allan.

He even had his own eight-part series on Channel 4 in 1983, Capstick's Capers, which he landed on the back of his double-A-sided single Sheffield Grinder/Capstick Comes Home, which had reached number 3 two years earlier.

He died yesterday afternoon at his home near Wentworth, South Yorkshire.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are shocked and saddened about the news of Tony Capstick's death and our thoughts are with his family.

"Tony's health problems were such that he was unable to work after the New Year.

"This is always a matter of great regret and sadness to the BBC.

"We are sorry that Tony lost his battle with his health.

"Generations of BBC Radio Sheffield listeners will remember Tony with warmth, gratitude and affection."

Published: 24 Oct 2003