On The Buses actor Reg Varney died yesterday following a short illness in a nursing home in Devon, at the age of 92.

His daughter, Jeanne Marley (59) said he died “peacefully” just before 2pm.

Varney (below), who played main character Stan Butler in the 1970s sitcom, was born in London’s East End but had lived in Devon for the past 20 years.

After leaving school he took menial jobs before becoming an actor after performing in working men’s clubs.

During the Second World War he joined the Royal Electrical Engineers.

However, he carried on being an entertainer in various music halls.

Afterwards Varney took on a number of film roles although it was On The Buses that he continued to be most recognised for.

Varney, who had lived alone since his wife Lilian died in 2002, is survived by his daughter, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

His funeral has yet to be arranged.