Postman Pat and Rosie and Jim creator John Cunliffe dies aged 85

John Cunliffe, The creator of classic 80s children's programme Postman Pat, and the book Rosie and Jim, has died at the age of 85. The author was born in Lancashire and lived in Cumbria, taking inspiration for his work from the Lake District.

The author's family confirmed he died at home after a short illness, and a notice of his death was published in the Ilkey Gazette saying, 'John Cunliffe left his Ilkley home in a deluge of rain on 20 September, never to return. Even the skies wept for John, the gifted creator of Postman Pat, Rosie and Jim, and author of many earlier published collections of poetry and picture story books for children.

'John's last poetry collection, significantly entitled "Dare You Go", has now come to fruition for John who has dared to go and has gone.'

Organisers of the Ilkley Literature Festival also paid tribute to the John Cunliffe in a statement posted on Facebook saying,

'We were very sad to hear that John Cunliffe, creator of Postman Pat, Rosie and Jim and many other much loved children’s characters passed away last week.'

'John, who was a long-time Ilkley resident, became patron of our Children's Festival when it started in 2003 and delighted children and parents at many festival events over the years.'

As well as creating Postman Pat and Rosie and Jim, he also starred in the latter for two years as the boat owner.

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• Postman Pat