Ken Barrie, the voice of children’s TV show Postman Pat, has died at the age of 83.

The actor, who was born Leslie Hulme, provided the voice for Pat and many of the other characters in the animated series, as well as the famous jingle which became a hit in the early 1980s.

His daughter Lorraine Peterson told the Press Association he died peacefully at home in Denham, Buckinghamshire, of liver cancer.

Ken Barrie was best known for voicing Postman Pat
Ken Barrie, best known for voicing Postman Pat, has passed away at age 83 (Ken Barrie Facebook)

Fans of the actor and his iconic character took to Twitter after the news of his death emerged, sharing their sadness and also thanking him for enriching their childhoods.

One of the most poignant social media messages included a drawing of Postman Pat’s beloved Jess the cat crying.