BROADCASTER and comedian Jim Bowen, best known for his role hosting the hit game show Bullseye, has died at the age of 80.

Mr Bowen, who grew up in Clayton-Le-Moors, was educated at Accrington Grammar School and worked as a dustman in Burnley at the age of 15.

His agent Patsy Martin confirmed: "He has sadly died."

The comedian became a household name in the 1980s when he began presenting the darts quiz show Bullseye. It aired for 15 years and was watched by more than 12 million viewers.

He was known for the "super, smashing, great" and "now look what you could have won..." catchphrases in the show.

He will be fondly remembered for a charismatic career, including his spells as host of Bullseye and his popular @BBCLancashire show.

Before finding fame he worked as a deputy headmaster of Caton Primary School near Lancaster.

Family friend John Pleus said Mr Bowen died this morning with his wife Phyllis by his side.

He added: "He passed away very peacefully, she was with him. We are all shedding a tear.

"I've known him since the Bullseye days.

"It wasn't completely unexpected, he's been ill for several weeks in hospital.

"The Royal Lancaster Infirmary were wonderful, we couldn't have asked for better.

"As with people getting on, Jim has had several strokes, one in 2011. Strokes just make you weaker and more susceptible to infections but we don't know what the cause of death will be."

Do you have any memories of Jim Bowen? email them to news@cravenherald.co.uk