Known affectionately as "Leathers" Lane (due to his love of riding motorbikes), former BBC Children's producer/director/writer has died after a long battle with cancer on 24th December aged 79.

John joined BBC studio management in 1963, working as Floor Manager on the first Jackanory in December 1965 and joined the Children's Dept in 1966.  He began a 17 year association with Play School in 1968.  He  directed for 3 years on the Cheggers Swap Shop OB and was a Senior Producer in Further Education before he retired in 1987.  Afterwards  he worked as a freelance directing many episodes of the popular European daytime quiz Going for Gold at Elstree Studios.

It was lovely to see John attending the launch of my book at BAFTA in October 2010 and for him to see again so many old colleagues and to enjoy such a happy occasion.  

Paul R Jackson
Author of "Here's A House - A Celebration of Play School" Volume 1 & 2 with a Free download Reference Section all available via the publishers website: http://www.kaleidoscopepublishing.co.uk/books

Dear John was a lovely BBC colleague.  We were in different departments but I always remember his wonderful laugh and smiling face.  I used to see him in the TVC "Canteen" having lunch. It was refreshing to see another colleague enjoying lunch as apposed to the "Club". I liked the Club aswell but in moderation especially at "lunchtime!" He was and will always be a true professional.  Geoffrey P.