A SOCIALIST filmmaker who brought “the lives of millions of ordinary people to the attention of millions” has died.

Stuart Monro, a resident of Wanstead for more than 20 years, passed away aged 78 on Thursday, September 7. He leaves behind wife Charlotte and daughter Anna.

Paul Donovan, who penned an obituary in honour of Stuart, hailed his contribution to film-making and his character.

He said: “He was a man, without ego - a rare and precious phenomena, he will be sorely missed.

"Stuart was a very supportive man, who respected people for what they did, rather than who they were. He did not denigrate others, as so many people do, he was always their corner.

“Stuart leaves a huge body of work that is primarily about telling the stories of ordinary people. He never received the public credit he deserved for this work but for Stuart it was all about being authentic and telling those stories.

He loved Wanstead Park and was instrumental in forming the Wanstead Parklands Community Project (WPCP).

After successfully launching a bid for Heritage Lottery Funding, WPCP made films and publications about the park’s wildlife, archaeology and history.

Mr Monro produced the DVDs, which have “sold to thousands”.

He remained “a steadfast supporter” of Wanstead Park and often walked past its waterways and ancient trees with Charlotte.

The late filmmaker, who was the step-son of TV presenter Johnny Morris, was also a life-long socialist and fought for social justice in different countries.

He and Charlotte were jailed for taking part in civil rights protests in Ireland in the 1970s. Stuart helped his wife regain her job at Whipps Cross Hospital, Leytonstone, after a two year fight.