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Tribute has been paid to artist and children's broadcaster Tony Hart, who has died at the age of 83. Tony was know to millions of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ viewers for the BAFTA award winning series Take Hart, and later Hartbeat and Morph TV.

Richard Deverell, Controller, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Children's, said: "Tony was a warm man who had an unique ability to communicate with and inspire children.

"His dedication to making art look simple and his ability to help bring it to life through characters like Morph has influenced generations of children to be creative.

"He was an inspirational man and a terrific broadcaster."

Tony Hart appeared on art programmes for nearly 50 years before retiring in 2001 because of health problems.

In October 1998 BAFTA awarded him its top accolade, "A Lifetime Achievement Award", in acknowledgement of his contribution to quality children's television during his unbroken service to the medium.

³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Press Office