A popular screenwriter behind numerous hit TV comedies has died from cancer.

Steve Coombes, who lived in Ramsgate, became ill in April but remained at his home, with support from Pilgrims Hospices and community nurses, until his death on December 30, aged 64.

His wife of 30 years Sue Austen, with whom he set up the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival, says he is greatly missed, and she has received hundreds of messages and letters of support.

“He was very funny - most of the writing he did were comedies,” she said.

“He was known as a comedy writer and contributed episodes to a number of well-known TV series like Vera, Lovejoy and Birds of a Feather.

“He created and wrote the series Outlaws for the BBC and Sold for ITV.

“Steve was a screenwriter, that was his occupation and how he earned a living, but he got involved in lots of things.”

'He loved getting a big group of friends round and entertaining them with his stories' - Sue Austen

The 64-year-old was known locally for his ardent campaigning for a better future for Ramsgate port, close to where he lived. He proved to be a thorn in Thanet council’s side with his investigations into its management of the port, including its dealings with Seaborne Freight.

As former chairman of Ramsgate Action Group, he and fellow campaigners wanted to see the port restored to its former glory and potentially as a marina village.

“When he first joined with other people who had started the group, He was campaigning against Bretts and the work going on which is why the Facebook group was Nothing Concrete at Port Ramsgate,” said Ms Austen.

“He was concerned about the pollution and it was from an environmental point of view.

“Then gradually he and the other members started investigating how the port was being operated.”

Mr Coombes and Ms Austen moved to Ramsgate five years ago from Herne Bay, where they had started the town’s popular cartoon festival.

The dad-of-two became close friends with many of the cartoonists at the festival they launched.

“He was a very sociable person,” said Ms Austen.

“I’ve had hundreds of messages, calls and letters since he died. He loved entertaining people and loved making food, he was a great cook. He loved getting a big group of friends round and entertaining them with his stories.”

The family is having a small cremation next week but intends to organise a bigger event to celebrate his life, once restrictions are lifted.

“He was incredibly loved by so many people and all those people will want to remember him,” said Ms Austen.

“When it’s possible to get everyone together, we will.”

A statement on the Ramsgate Action Group website read: "We are so sad that Steve Coombes passed away, following a battle with cancer.

"His valiant efforts to secure a successful future for Port Ramsgate, amongst many other contributions (especially his sense of humour) will be badly missed."

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