Alan Simpson, of Galton and Simpson, has died at the age of 87.

He and his writing partner Ray Galton created sitcoms such as Steptoe and Son and Hancock’s Half Hour.

Simpson was also president of Hampton and Richmond FC. 

The London Scriptwriter had undergone a "long battle with lung disease", according to his manager Tessa Le Bars said.

She said: "Having had the privilege of working with Alan and Ray for over 50 years, the last 40 as agent, business manager and friend, and latterly as Alan's companion and carer, I am deeply saddened to lose Alan after a brave battle with lung disease."

Galton and his family paid tribute saying there were "no words" to express the sense of loss and sadness they felt. 

In a joint statement they said: "From their first attempts at humour in Milford Sanatorium, through a lifetime of work together, the strength of Alan and Ray's personal and professional bond was always at the heart of their success.

"We respectfully request there are no attempts to contact the Galton family home at this time."

Galton and Simpson also wrote TV, film and stage scripts for such people as Peter Sellers, Leonard Rossiter, Arthur Lowe, Frankie Howerd and Les Dawson.