Dad's Army veteran dies aged 82

Colin Bean's Private Sponge (centre) was a familiar face in Dad's Army

Actor Colin Bean, who played Private Sponge in Dad's Army for many years, has died aged 82 in Wigan Infirmary.

He spent his last years at Wickham Hall Care Home in Springfield and died at the infirmary on Saturday.

After many years in repertory, he was spotted in 1968 by his friend Jimmy Perry, one of the creators of Dad's Army, and given a part in the series.

He last appeared in public at a reunion of the Dad's Army Appreciation Society last year.