Top sitcom writer Croft dies

David Croft, who wrote hit sitcoms including Dad's Army and Are You Being Served?, has died aged 89. His agent Tim Hancock said he died at his holiday home in Portugal. Among his other hit shows were 'Allo 'Allo, It Ain't Half Hot Mum and Hi-De-Hi! A statement released by his family said Croft "died peacefully in his sleep at his house in Portugal earlier today". It went on: "He was a truly great man, who will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing and loving him. We know that he would of been proud that you had all been watching." Croft was born into showbusiness. His parents were both actors and he appeared in a cinema advert as a child, before landing a small part in a 1939 film of Goodbye, Mr Chips. But the war intervened and a cinema career was put on hold while he served in the Royal Artillery, eventually rising to the rank of Major. He wrote scripts for pantomimes before working in television as a producer, director and writer. His partnership with Jimmy Perry proved to be one of British television's most successful. Together they wrote Dad's Army, It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-De-Hi and You Rang, M'Lord? He also worked with Jeremy Lloyd on shows including Are You Being Served? 'Allo 'Allo and Grace and Favour. Croft, who was awarded the OBE in 1978, is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.