The author John Cunliffe has died, aged 85. He was most famous for creating Postman Pat and was born in Colne, Lankashire and lived in Kendal, Cumbria. He took inspiration from the Lake District when creating the show’s fictional village of Greendale.
The first episode of Postman Pat was broadcast on 16th of September 1981 and the animated series has appeared in more than 50 countries!
The family said Mr Cunliffe died at home after a short illness
He delighted generations of children with his tales of rural postman Pat Clifton and his black and white cat Jess.
Cunliffe published around 190 books for young children as well as five volumes of poetry and numerous picture books.
‘Even the skies wept for the gifted author of postman pat, creator of Rosie and Jim and the author of many earlier published collections of poetry and many picture books for children’, said his daughter.