TRIBUTES have poured in for the weightlifter-turned-Star Wars actor David Prowse after his death, but some Hereford schoolchildren will best remember him best for being the Green Cross Code Man.

Mr Prowse died aged 85 after a short illness, his agent confirmed on last week.

The towering 6ft 6in performer also earned an MBE for playing the Green Cross Code Man to promote road safety, with that role taking him to a Hereford primary school in the 1980s.

On June 17, 1981, children at St Martin’s School all lined up on the pavement for a picture with Mr Prowse in his memorable green and white outfit.

The costumed superhero character was first created in England in the 1970s to teach children about the Green Cross Code, and for promoting general road safety in television adverts.

There has been mentions of Mr Prowse in the We Grew Up In Hereford Facebook group, the new group that celebrates good times in the city.

Clare Frances kicked things off by saying she remembers meeting the superhero at school, which jogged the memory of others.

Tracy Morris said: “I met Dave Prowse at school too.

“I think it was around 1986/87 at St Martin’s. I’ve still got the signed picture somewhere.”

After the news of his death on Sunday, Star Wars creator George Lucas remembered Dave Prowse for making Darth Vader “leap off the page and on to the big screen”.

Mr Prowse played the villainous Sith lord in the original Star Wars trilogy with Lucas, whose Lucasfilm company produced the space epic series as well as the Indiana Jones films. He paid tribute in a message posted on the Star Wars website.

The 76-year-old said: “David brought a physicality to Darth Vader that was essential for the character.

“He made Vader leap off the page and on to the big screen, with an imposing stature and movement performance to match the intensity and undercurrent of Vader’s presence.

“David was up for anything and contributed to the success of what would become a memorable, tragic figure. May he rest in peace.”

Mr Prowse’s agent Thomas Bowington confirmed his death in a statement on Sunday, saying: “May the force be with him, always.”

Mr Bowington added: “Though famous for playing many monsters, for myself and all who knew Dave and worked with him he was a hero in our lives.