A FORMER Richmond policeman who became well known in the town for his talent for writing poetry and pantomimes has died, aged 86.

Allan John Moncur, born in Scarborough in 1930, served in the RAF for his National Service in London and Malvern, and later joined the North Ridings Police in 1956, training at Newby Wiske.

He was posted to Loftus, East Cleveland, where he met wife Mary and the couple had three daughters, Dianne, Susan and Gill. His job took him to York, Kirkbymoorside, Catterick Garrison and finally Richmond.

He retired after 30 years as a Sergeant and was well known in Richmond where he regularly walked the beat.

Mr Moncur was a talented writer and was heavily involved in Richmond Operatic Society, writing pantomimes and performing over many years.

He leaves his three daughters and five grandchildren, Charlotte, Matthew, Emma, Meredith and Izzy.

His daughter Gill Humphriss said: “Dad was someone who never let the grass grow under his feet. He filled his spare time with numerous hobbies. He was a chess champion, ballroom dancer, golfer and board games inventor.

She added: “One of Dad’s greatest achievements was his writing; he wrote short stories, poems, plays and pantomimes. The pantomimes were often performed by Richmond Operatic Society and other small companies. He loved panto and fairy stories, and particularly loved risqué jokes.

"His poems were published by The Northern Echo and plotted his love of life. Dad was writing right up until dementia cruelly took his memories. He loved poetry and many of his poems centred around his family – so he would write about his grandchildren or his wife."