'Blankety Blank' theme tune writer dies

Ronnie Hazlehurst, the man who created the theme tune to Blankety Blank, has passed away aged 79.

Hazlehurst was also the composer of the theme to the long-running BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine, The Two Ronnies and Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em.

John Plowman, BBC's head of comedy, said: "He was the composer of many of the best-loved signature tunes of the last 40 years of television - and some of his work is still heard today.

"He's associated with some of the best-loved shows of our lives."

The former BBC musical director also had close ties to the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the UK entry seven times.