A local author and long-time Wimbledon resident has died.

John Charles Ellis died last week, aged 84. The former marine insurance worker was a keen writer, producing short stories and serving as treasurer of the Merton Writers’ Circle.

Friend Gerard Holm said: “He was known throughout Wimbledon - he lived here all his life.”

Mr Ellis, who spent his last 30 years in Leopold Avenue, was educated at Raynes Park Grammar School. He went into insurance and eventually worked as an underwriter for Lloyds.

After retiring he became a governor at Wimbledon High School and was active in the local Conservative Party. His interests included rambling and classical music. Mr Ellis, who was unmarried, died on September 26, at St George’s Hospital in Tooting.