Captain Birds Eye actor leaves £368,000 legacy to his family

The jolly naval character and his catchphrase, "Only the best for the Captain's table", helped establish the fish finger as one of the country's teatime favourites.

Hewer, who died aged 86 in March, first played the Captain in 1967 but was temporarily killed off in 1971, prompting an obituary to be published in The Times.

Only the best: Children's favourite John Hewer

However, Hewer, a celebrated stage actor, was brought back in 1974 and went on to become one of the most famous figures on TV.

In 1983, his ruddy-faced seafarer was named in a poll as the most recognised captain in the world after Captain Cook.

Father-of-two Hewer, of Epping, Essex, continued in the role until 1998, when he retired aged 76.

He was replaced by a younger Captain Birds Eye with designer stubble because it was thought a snowy-haired pensioner was less appealing to children.

But the makeover proved unpopular, and the older, cuddlier version was brought back, although not played by Hewer.

Captain Birds Eye has now outlasted even the Milky Bar Kid and Ronald McDonald to become the longest-running "brand personality" since food advertising began.

Hewer, who died in the Brinsworth House actors' retirement home in Middlesex, left his estate to his children Jonathan and Kathryn.

His wife Edna died ten years ago.