The death of comedy writer Jimmy Perry, who created the hit sitcom Dad's Army, has been described as the end of an era.

The 93-year-old died at his home on Sunday morning surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness.

For many years Perry ran the Palace Theatre Watford as part of a small repertory company that produced a different show each week.

Mr Perry made his acting debut at Watford Palace in “One Wild Oat” in March 1951 and his first play as co-manager was “See How They Run” in September 1956. 

Under the Perrys, the theatre’s repertoire catered to its audience’s appetite for the murder mysteries of Agatha Christie and her ilk. They also presided over significant renovations of the theatre in 1958.

During the Perrys’ time at the helm saw the theatre put on more than three hundred plays, eight pantomimes, eight musical productions and various odd shows.

After leaving the theatre, Mr Perry found success in his new career, having his big break as a screenwriter with the debut of Dad’s Army in 1968.

Working closely with producer David Croft, Mr Perry was also responsible for popular TV comedy shows It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Hi-de-Hi! and You Rang M'Lord?

His writing drew on his life experiences as a young member of the Watford Home Guard during the Second World War and as a Butlin's holiday camp Redcoat.

Leader of Hertsmere Borough Councillor Morris Bright tweeted his tribute to Mr Perry after meeting with him at a film event.

Ian Lavender, 70, who played Private Pike in Dad's Army, paid tribute to the comedy writer.

He said: "I am sorry to hear about Jimmy. He has been a part of my life for such a long time, half of an amazing partnership (with Croft).

"It is certainly the end of an era, and of course brings back many wonderful memories, lots of good times together with much shared laughter. I will miss him being here."

In one famous scene from the hit series, the Home Guard members were confronted by a German soldier who demanded the name of the hapless Pike.

Captain Mainwaring's quick retort of "Don't tell him Pike" is one of the programme's best-loved moments.

Others who worked with Perry and fans of his shows said he has left a great legacy.

His agent Tim Hancock said: "As his agent of many years, I have never met anyone as generous, dignified, funny and with as big a heart as Jimmy. He will be sadly missed."

Mr Perry may have been best known for Dad's Army but he regarded It Ain't Half Hot Mum as his and Croft's funniest sitcom.

He once dismissed criticism of the show, set in India, saying it was considered racist "because of ignorance".

Today, the Army of London paid tribute to Mr Perry with a special performance outside Buckingham Palace.

RIP Jimmy Perry, Dad's Army creator and comedy genius. Here's the @ColdstreamBand tribute at #changingoftheguard this morning @RoyalFamily pic.twitter.com/UPELW4rknK

— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) October 24, 2016