Former TV star Jean Morton dies, 91, in Lichfield

Former television presenter Jean Morton, known as Auntie Jean to fans of the popular 1960s ITV children's programme Tingha and Tucker, has died in Lichfield aged 91.

The former continuity announcer also worked in the news department reporting and anchoring ATV Midlands Newsday.

The launch of Tingha and Tucker, which brought her national fame, happened by chance after a viewer sent in two toy koala bears which appeared on screen as a time-filler between programmes.

The instant response saw Australian producer Reg Watson, who went onto create soap opera Neighbours, suggest a short children's programme based around the koalas and Jean.

It hit the Midlands ITV schedules five days a week, later airing across the whole of the network. She later took on an executive role.