Former Blue Peter host John Noakes has died aged 83, a family friend has announced.

The Yorkshire-born star was the children's show's longest-serving presenter, in a Blue Peter career that lasted from 1965 until 1978.

He was also known for fondness for canine stars on the programme, including the border collie Shep, who inspired his catchphrase: “Get down, Shep!”

His family said he died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning. He had been suffering from Alzheimer's.

Family friend Wendy Downes said in a statement: “John Noakes died peacefully on Sunday morning, May 28.

John Noakes in London to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the programme in 1998 (PA)

“He had endured and suffered from Alzheimer's over recent years and whilst he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends, his release from continuing ill health must be counted as a blessing.

“His many escapades with his faithful companion Shep, during his time with Blue Peter, will live on in many peoples memories and that is how his family would like him remembered.”

Former Blue Peter presenters have paid tribute to Mr Noakes, with Katy Hill crediting him for her desire to present the children's show.

She wrote: “Saddest news about the legendary John Noakes who inspired me to want to present Blue Peter & do everything he did. The best!”

Former presenter turned actress and author, Janet Ellis, said: “The best, bravest, funniest BP presenter.

“If we didn’t walk in John Noakes’ shadow it’s because he shone the light for us. RIP”.

In June 2015 Mr Noakes went missing from his home in Mallorca. He was found following a ten-hour search after being spotted by a police helicopter.

His wife confirmed then that he had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for “some years”.

The former aircraft engine fitter endeared himself to Blue Peter viewers by throwing himself into daredevil stunts such as parachuting.

Yet despite his popularity among those who watched the show, he revealed decades after leaving it that he had not enjoyed his years there.

Noakes (third from left), pictured on set in 1971 (Getty) (Getty Images)

“Given my time again I wouldn't have done Blue Peter. I'd done theatre for six years and was tired," he told the Radio Times in 1999.

He had only joined Blue Peter because it was regular work after six years of acting.

“I’d have done reasonably well. Olivier wanted me once, but I'd just played a Yorkshireman and the blasted accent had returned.

“He wondered if I could lose it in three weeks and my drama teacher said: `It took him two years to get rid of it last time'.”

John Noakes climbs Nelson's Column

He also claimed he was exploited by the BBC. “The pressure was terrible,” he said.

“One year I did nine weeks with only one-and-a-half days off. I collapsed on the floor and couldn't go on. That's the nearest I came to a breakdown.

“When I left Blue Peter I was offered the part of Willy Mossop in Hobson’s Choice at Oxford and three weeks of doing that gave me the equivalent satisfaction to 12 years of TV.”

He also said he was never paid what he was promised and was scathing about the show's editor. “Biddy Baxter was an awful woman,” he said. “I don't want to talk about her.”