Cult Doncaster sci fi author Brian Ball, whose children's book was featured on Jackanory, dies aged 88

Brian Ball wrote 90 novels and was well known for writing both children’s books and science fiction titles.

He died after a long illness and had spent his last nine months at Benton House care home in Rossington.

Born in Salford to a single mum, he lived in a Barnardo’s home until he was seven, when he returned to his family.

After his national service, he gained a theology degree – even though he was an atheist – before taking a number of English teaching jobs in Sheffield secondary schools after moving to Doncaster. He lived in Conisbrough, Cadeby, Sprotbrough, and latterly, Bennetthorpe.

He taught at High Melton teacher training college through the 1970s and 80s until taking redundancy in the mid 80s, also running Doncaster Prose and Poetry Society.

His first book was Mr Toefat’s Term, a children’s book in the early 1960s. His first science fiction book, Sundog, was published in 1965. Earlier this year, a series of Space 1999 novelisations he had written were republished in a major volume.

One of his best known chidren’s books, The Witch in our Attic, was used by the television programme Jackanory in the 1970s, read on the screen by the famous comedy actress June Whitfield.

Brian’s daughter, Jane Smith, recalled how her daughter, Rebecca, inspired his Bella at The Ballet series, as she would not always do what she was supposed to in her dance lessons.

Jane added: “I think he was most well known for his science fiction – he was a bit of a cult figure. But I think he really loved writing children’s books, because he really loved kids. I remember him writing his Jackson the Cat books while we were living in Sprotbrough. They sold all around the world.

"I remember him as a very clever man, who was great with children. I’m proud of all he achieved and so is my step mum, Elizabeth.

"We’re really grateful for the care he receieved at Benton House in his last months. They really looked after him well.”