TRIBUTES have been paid to Monty Python star Terry Jones who has "gently slipped away" at the age of 77.

The actor and comedian visited the Bradford district on several occasions for filming and promoting his work with several locations featured in sketches and movies.

He also backed the T&A's campaign to save the then National Media Museum from closure in 2013.

Steve Abbot, the chair of Bradford City of Film, started his career with HandMade Films which financed the Monty Python film Life of Brian and subsequently with Prominent Television, which was formed with the Pythons.

He said he was saddened by the news of the passing of Jones, who had dementia and died on Tuesday evening.

He said: "I spent all of my career working with Terry and the fact he had been ill hasn't made it easier.

"I'm dreadfully, dreadfully sad. He was a lovely gentle soul, I'm heart-broken.

"He had an amazing energy and passion."

He said a lot of people in the film business are ruthless but "he was just the opposite of that. There was never any anger."

He remembered that the Pythons' film The Meaning of Life was his first experience of working on location.

"It was a major source of pride that they filmed at Lister Park for the opening sequence," he added.

"I worked with him on a daily basis for 20 years.

"It leaves a big hole in all our lives.

"I fell very sad for a lovely gentle guy."

Kathryn Penny, Head of Screen Operation at the National Science and Media Museum, said: “We are proud to be able to say Terry Jones is part of the history of our museum.

"He brought joy to our festival audience in 2009 and was gracious and generous with his time, and towards everyone he met.”

Jones starred in many Python sketches and movies filmed in the Bradford district.

Among the Flying Circus's locations were a former shop at the junction of Toller Lane and Cross Road, New Pudsey Station, Valley Parade and Southmere Terrace in Great Horton.

Jones directed The Meaning Of Life in 1983, the Pythons' last film together, which was also filmed on Ilkley Moor as well as in front of Cartwright Hall.

He appeared at the National Science and Media Museum in 2009 to to talk about his career and work.

He was at the museum on the penultimate night of the 15th Bradford Film Festival, where the director’s cut of his movie Erik the Viking was shown.

And he made an appearance with Sir Michael Palin at the Ilkley Literature Festival in 1984.

The actor and comedian, who directed some of the comedy troupe's best-loved works, "gently slipped away" at the age of 77, a statement to the PA news agency on behalf of his family said.

Mr Abbott also produced many of the TV programmes of Sir Michael who paid a tribute to "one of my closest, most valued friends".

Sir Michael said was "kind, generous, supportive and passionate about living life to the full".

"He was far more than one of the funniest writer-performers of his generation, he was the complete Renaissance comedian - writer, director, presenter, historian, brilliant children's author, and the warmest, most wonderful company you could wish to have," he said.

He added in a statement: "I feel very fortunate to have shared so much of my life with him."

Fellow Python star John Cleese also paid tribute to Jones, tweeting: "It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away..."

He added: "Two down, four to go."

Jones appeared in the Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series in a variety of characters, and was known for his performances in drag.

A statement on behalf of his family said they were "deeply saddened" to announce the death of a "beloved husband and father", who had "given pleasure to countless millions across six decades".

They hailed an "extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words 'Lovingly frosted with glucose'."

Jones died "with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good- humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD", the statement said.

"Over the past few days, his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in north London.

"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."

They said his work "will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath".

The family thanked "wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful. We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely."

The Welsh-born star suffered from a form of dementia which affects the ability to communicate.