Veteran Archers actor Alan Devereux, who played the role of Sid Perks for nearly 50 years, has died.

Devereux arrived on the airwaves on September 30, 1963, as the teenage tearaway who would later become the landlord of The Bull pub. He played the role until the character’s death in 2010.

Sid took his place behind the bar of The Bull in 1972 when he and his first wife Polly took over the running of the pub.

Sean O’Connor told the BBC Radio 4 website: “Alan’s voice as Sid had a genuine sense of authenticity to it – instantly recognisable and full of rich character.”

Former editor Vanessa Whitburn said: “Alan was a consummate and brilliant radio actor. Always a delight to work with.”

Devereux died of “natural causes” at the age of 75 after a short illness, the BBC added.

He is survived by his son and his daughter, Tracy Jane White, who played his on-air daughter Lucy for more than a decade in the show.