A PROLIFIC writer who was born and bred in Newton Abbot has passed away.

Terry Tapp passed away at the age of 85-years-old on Monday, April 27.

Terry’s writing journey began in his thirties when he joined a creative writing evening class at the Passmore Edwards Centre in Newton Abbot, where he sold his first short story.

Encouraged, he continued writing despite early rejections.

His persistence paid off, and he went on to publish numerous horror, science fiction and ghost stories, along with radio plays and television scripts for West Country Tales.

A twist in the tale, often in the final line, became his trademark.

He later became a creative writing tutor in Newton Abbot and served as a tutor organiser for the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA).

Terry was married to wife Joy for more than 50 years, selling produce in Newton Abbot Market for a time.

Terry is survived by his daughter and grandson.