TRIBUTES have been paid to former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes, who died yesterday aged 83.

His family said he died peacefully in his sleep and that they hoped he would be remembered for his many escapades with his faithful companion Shep during his time on the BBC show.

Mr Noakes, who was born in Shelf, Bradford, had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Family friend Wendy Downes said in a statement: “John Noakes died peacefully on Sunday morning.

“He had endured and suffered from Alzheimer’s over recent years and whilst he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends, his release from continuing ill health must be counted as a blessing.

“His many escapades with his faithful companion Shep, during his time with Blue Peter, will live on in many people’s memories and that is how his family would like him remembered.”

Mr Noakes was Blue Peter’s longest-serving host, and appeared on the show between 1965 and 1978, developing a reputation as its action man.

His feats included ascending Nelson’s Column without a safety harness using just a rickety wooden ladder – a sound problem meant he had to repeat the climb – a bruising encounter with a bobsleigh, and a record-breaking skydive.

He was also known for his partnership with canine stars of the programme, Patch – the first Blue Peter dog Petra’s puppy – and border collie Shep, who inspire his catchphrase “Get down, Shep!”

The phrase later inspired the name of a pop song released by the Barron Knights.

Mr Noakes had previously trained as an engine-fitter for the RAF before deciding to become an actor and studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Peter Purves, who co-presented Blue Peter with Noakes, described him as unique, adding that a former Blue Peter editor reckoned he was the best presenter ever.

Mr Purves said: “He was a happy-go-lucky guy in many ways.

“He was actually quite serious as well, and very, very shy.

“I mean that’s what you really wouldn’t realise about him, I suppose. I’ll never forget him. He was a good friend.”

David Wilson, director of Bradford UNESCO City of Film, said: “I grew up in an era when we only had three TV channels and no cable TV or internet so Blue Peter was regular viewing for us.

“It was really reassuring in those days and quite unusual to hear a Northern accent on screen.

“John Noakes was a brilliant presenter and always up for a challenge. He forms a real part of British television history.”

Councillor Stephen Baines (Con, Northowram and Shelf) paid tribute to his ward’s famous son.

He said: “He was a tremendous bloke, a fantastic personality.

“He really got young people interested in various aspects of life.

“It’s good that somebody could have done so well who was born locally.”

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