WINDSOR Davies, the much-loved Welsh star of hit BBC TV show It Ain't Half Hot Mum and cult comedy classic Grand Slam, has died at the age of 88.

He was known to millions for his role as the no-nonsense sergeant major in the immensely popular It Ain't Half Hot Mum which ran for 56 episodes between 1974 and 1981.

Davies was also a firm favourite with Welsh rugby fans for his portrayal of Mog Jones in the 1978 sports comedy film Grand Slam that was produced by BBC Wales.

The short movie followed the fortunes of Mog ("the best uncapped hooker in Wales") and his pals on an ill-fated but hilarious weekend away in Paris as they witnessed their country’s ultimately equally doomed bid for a clean sweep in 1977 against France.

Directed by John Hefin, it also starred Oscar-winning actor Hugh Griffith, Dewi ‘Pws’ Morris and an unforgettable turn by Sion Probert as boutique owner Maldwyn Novello-Pughe.

Davies died on Thursday, his family said. The actor had retired to France with his wife of 62 years, Eluned, who died last September. They had five children.

His daughter Jane Davies said her parents left a large family "who will all remember them with love, laughter and gratitude".

Davies also enjoyed a number one hit in 1975 with co-star Don Estelle when they recorded a version of Whispering Grass – selling more than one million copies.

He also played Oliver Smallbridge, alongside Donald Sinden, as two rival antique dealers in the long-running ITV sitcom Never The Twain.

Another successful show, it ran for more than 60 episodes.

Born in Canning Town, London, he returned to his father's home village, Nant-y-moel near Bridgend, when the Second World War broke out.