I WAS very sad to hear of the death of Oliver Postgate (Echo, Dec 10). Despite feelings of sadness, I also felt gratitude to the man who had illuminated my childhood with his wonderful story-telling. After all, he had let me into his imaginary world of Noggin the Nog and Ivor the Engine.

I was introduced to Postgate’s work when the Noggin the Nog was shown on television. The tale of Noggin and his battles with Nogbag the Bad quickly captured my imagination. Ivor the Engine was a delight, especially the close rapport between the driver, “Jones the steam”, and Ivor.

Postgate’s programmes made for children’s television were very original and really epitomised what films for children should be about.

Moreover, they have stood the test of time. I have a daughter, now grown up, who can still remember characters from the Bagpuss programme with great clarity; that said, it would be difficult to forget Professor Yaffles, Madeleine the rag doll and, of course, the mice.

I hope Postgate’s work endures – it deserves to. He really has left a rich legacy, not least the achievement of making so many children happy.

Derek Parker, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham.