One of Britain's most prolific writers has died at his home in Ilkley.

Willis Hall, who was 75, wrote scripts for theatre, TV plays, films, musicals, TV series and books.

Some of his best known works were adaptations of novels for film with Keith Waterhouse in the 1960s. These ranged from frivolous comedies such as Lock up Your Daughters to hard hitting social dramas such as A Kind of Loving.

With Mr Waterhouse he also wrote the screenplays for the 1963 film set in Bradford, Billy Liar, and the unforgettable Whistle Down the Wind, in 1963.

And for television he wrote for a host of programmes including the Dick Emery Show, Roy Hudd, Robin's Nest and Worzel Gummidge.

As well as novels for youngsters, Mr Hall wrote books about football, one of which he collaborated with TV presenter Michael Parkinson.

Mr Hall was born in Leeds and educated at Cockburn High School in the city.

As a boy he worked at the former Yorkshire Evening News in Leeds, as did another youngster Peter O'Toole before he made his own fame and fortune.

When Mr Hall worked for the News, another young man was starting out on a career in journalism not far away at another newspaper in the city, Keith Waterhouse.

Neither knew they would eventually become writing collaborators on stage and on screen.

After time away from Yorkshire and after much acclaim in London making his name, Mr Hall returned to his native West Yorkshire and set up home at Laverock Hall in Oakworth, near Keighley.

During the 1980s he got involved in local life and even led a campaign to save a school near Haworth from being closed.

He also joined the board of Keighley Rugby League Club in 1983 but had to resign two years later because of the pressure of stage commitments.

In 1983 he was delighted when Bingley Little Theatre chose for its festive show a play called Christmas Crackers which he had written specially for children.

He was so thrilled when he was invited as guest of honour that he offered to pay for seats for himself and his family - an offer that was not accepted.

A year later the distinguished playwright became a member of Bingley Little Theatre.

He was also a keen amateur magician and a member of the Magic Circle.

Mr Hall went on to live in Stanbury, near Keighley, before moving to his home in Gill Mews, Ilkley.

He leaves a wife Valerie, four children and two grandchildren.

A service will take place at All Saints Church, Ilkley, on Wednesday, March 16, at 10.45am followed by a private cremation.