British actor Geoffrey Bayldon has died at the age of 93, it's been reported today.

BBC presenter Lizo Mzimba confirmed the news, tweeting: "Sad news. Actor Geoffrey Bayldon, best known for playing Catweazle and Worzel Gummidge's Crowman has passed away aged 93 his agency has says (sic)."

The Leeds-born actor was the star of many British TV series, including children's show Catweazle and the BBC's Watch, in which he played Magic Grandad in 1995.

But it was his role as the Crowman in Worzel Gummidge that put Geoffrey's name on the map, as the programme ran from 1979 until 1981.

(Image: LWT)

(Image: Rex)

(Image: Rex)

He starred opposite the late Jon Pertwee in the title role and Una Stubbs as Worzel's fairground doll love interest.

The series attracted cameos from several other much beloved British stars, including Barbara Windsor, Connie Booth and Bernard Cribbins.

Geoffrey was even approached by the BBC to play the first Doctor in Doctor Who - but turned them down as he thought the character was too old for him to play and the series went on too long.

He was asked a second time but said no again, giving him the opportunity to accept the role of Catweazle.

He did eventually appear in Doctor Who but as a guest character - Organon in 1979's The Creature From The Pit.

(Image: Rex Features)

(Image: Rex Features)

(Image: Rex Features)

As well as his TV work - Geoffrey was also in The Avengers, Z-Cars, Tales Of The Unexpected and Rumpole Of The Bailey - he appeared in films such as King Rat, To Sir, With Love and Casino Royale as Q.

His most recent work before retirement was in 2007's New Tricks and in the 2010 series of My Family.

Having started life as the son of a tailor, Geoffrey went on to join the Royal Air Force and studied architecture before fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming an actor in 1947.

His favourite hobbies were collecting old watercolour paintings, gardening and walking.