Tony Hart

A Surrey community has paid tribute to television presenter and artist Tony Hart, who died on Sunday at the age of 83.

Mr Hart, from Shamley Green, near Cranleigh, enjoyed a TV career spanning more than 50 years before retiring in 2001 due to ill health.

He suffered two strokes in recent years but had remained an active member of the Shamley Green community and the wider area.

As recently as June 2007, he opened a new lobby and library extension at Wonersh and Shamley Green Infant School.

Head teacher Heather Lee described him as a lovely man, saying: “He had been involved with the school for the last 20 or so years.

“We’ve got lots of pictures of his on the walls and many of his books because he would come and work with the children at the school.

“When he was here 18 months ago for the opening, he did a lovely speech and he was very interested in talking to all of the children even though he was very ill.

“They were asking him where Morph was and he said he had left him at home in the fridge. He was a very kind person and was always interested in what the children were doing.”

Mrs Lee said the school was now planning a lasting tribute to Mr Hart.

"Warm and generous"

In May 2006, Mr Hart raised more than £4,000 for the Gurhka Welfare Trust after holding an auction of his cartoons at Loseley Park near Guildford.

He had served as a member of the 1st Gurkha Rifles in 1944 until the partition of India in 1947, and later became an honorary member of the 7th Gurkhas.

Colonel William Shuttlewood said the Gurkha Welfare Trust was privileged to have had Mr Hart as a supporter.

“He always kept in touch with his Gurkha roots through the regimental association and through the welfare trust,” he said.

“For a very long period he was active in raising funds in support of the soldiers in Nepal. He was a warm and generous man and was also tremendous company.

“His support was so modest as well. He raised a substantial sum but he was always very quiet and did it without fanfare.”

Mr Hart was best known for Vision On, Take Hart and Hartbeat, and his most famous creation was his plasticine sidekick, Morph. He also designed the first ever Blue Peter badge.

In 1998, he was given a lifetime achievement honour by Bafta, in recognition of his services to children's television, having previously won two other Baftas.