POPULAR children s entertainer and TV personality Jack Mayes has died aged 74. Jack, famous for his show with his larger-than-life dummy Hairy Harry, suffered a heart attack at his home in Derby Way, Stevenage, on June 7. Jack was a well-loved stage and T

POPULAR children's entertainer and TV personality Jack Mayes has died aged 74.

Jack, famous for his show with his larger-than-life dummy Hairy Harry, suffered a heart attack at his home in Derby Way, Stevenage, on June 7.

Jack was a well-loved stage and TV star who had appeared in a string of television shows during his career. He had also dazzled holiday makers on the QE2 and had repeat bookings at Kensington Palace.

Closer to home Jack specialised in family entertainment, children's parties and once recorded an album of sing-along favourites with the children of Peartree Spring Junior School in Stevenage. The pupils were also allowed to design the album cover.

He was a lifelong member of the Inner Magic Circle and was the acting president of the Vaudeville Golfing Society, a club with membership restricted to professional entertainment artists.

He was also a member of the Water Rats, whose current King Rat is Kaplan Kaye and whose past kings have included magician Paul Daniels.

Jack was an active entertainer until his death and appeared in Back to Variety with the Grand Order of Water Rats on May 12.

Jack's son Robert, 54, of Cherry Tree Rise in Walkern, said: "Everyone loved him. He was extremely popular and was a great entertainer.

"He had been working for years. If you ask around everyone knew him. He had been on TV, around the world, done everything you could imagine and he will be really missed.

"Anyone can come to the funeral, it is going to be packed."

Jack's funeral will take place at Harwood Park Crematorium in Knebworth on Monday (June 19) at 5pm.

After the service everyone is invited for refreshments at Knebworth Golf Club on Deards End Lane.

Jack leaves Robert, step-daughter Paula and grandson George, aged 12.