Comedy writer Richard Preddy has died.

Preddy worked on the pioneering Channel 4 sketch show Smack The Pony and also the hospital comedy Green Wing.

Other writing credits ranged from Chucklevision to The Fast Show and Harry Enfield and Chums. He wrote questions for Vic and Bob on Shooting Stars and also worked on numerous animation and childrens’ shows such as Angry Toons and Rastamouse.

Fellow Green Wing writer James Henry tweeted: "Very sad news for UK comedy world, my and @orianemessina and @fayrusling’s friend and co-writer on loads of projects, Richard Preddy passed away last night, a few weeks after his beloved Julia. We are all heartbroken."

Stephen Mangan, who starred in Green Wing tweeted: "This is awful news. What a lovely man. Part of the incredible Green Wing writing team. RIP Richard"

Oriane Messina, who worked with Preddy on a number of projects, wrote: "He was an immense talent with an immense kindness."

Writer Kevin Cecil tweeted: "I'm very sad at the loss of Richard Preddy who died yesterday. He contributed a huge amount to so many great shows. He was also a very lovely man. Love to his family and colleagues."

Comedian/actor Moray Hunter added: "Lovely and funny man. So sorry to hear this."

His partner Julia Craik died in April. They first met at the University of Kent where they were contemporaries of comedian Alan Davies. Davies called Preddy: "One of the funniest, cleverest people I have ever known." Preddy also met his regular writing partner Gary Howe at university.

In 2015 Preddy and Craik moved to the Canterbury area where they ran a wildflower bee seed business.

Darrell Maclaine tweeted: "Horrible news. RIP the brilliant Richard Preddy. Fond memories of MSN chats with him way back when. Co-author of what I'm pretty sure is my favourite Fast Show sketch" – see below.