THE star of the hit television series Jason King has passed away at the age of 90.

Peter Wyngarde who was best known for his role as sleuth Jason King in Department S and its spin-off, was a regular visitor to Stroud during the 60s.

John Gardiner, who currently works at Twynnings Garage in Tewkesbury, but used to work at Lansdown Road Motors in Stroud saw him regularly.

“It’s hard to remember because it was during the 60s and I was only about 18 at the time,” said John.

“However, when I worked at Lansdown Road Motors as a petrol pump boy I used to see Peter Wyngarde regularly.

“He was a nice man who would stop for a chat, it was quite exciting when he came by because he was on tv at the time.

“I’m sure he lived in the Stroud area for a while but I’m not sure of his exact location.”

A heartthrob in his day, he also enjoyed numerous stage roles and appeared as Klytus in Flash Gordon and as Timanov in Doctor Who: Planet Of Fire.

His agent and manager, Thomas Bowington, said: “He was one of the most unique, original and creative actors that I have ever seen. As a man, there were few things in life he didn’t know.

“I sometimes nicknamed him the King because he simply knew everything.

“He was a mentor on everything you can think of, from sports cars to how to make a good cup of tea and how to do a tie and shirt.

“He died at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital (in London), and even then he was saying that you shouldn’t button the upper button on a shirt.

“As a person he was the most exceptional person I met in my life and a great mentor and teacher.”

Wyngarde signed his contract for Department S on a napkin in a restaurant and went on to make the character his own.

His agent said the actor had roles and personal appearances coming up and that he died in hospital on Monday, having been unwell for a couple of months.