Peter Ling

Peter George Derek Ling (27 May 1926 – 14 September 2006) was an English writer of television, radio and comic strips, best known for his television work. With his professional partner, Hazel Adair, he co-created the television soap opera Crossroads.

Early life Ling was born in Thornton Heath, the son of a stage magician and a teacher, and was educated at Whitgift School. As a child he appeared in the Radio Luxembourg children's show The Ovaltinies, and wrote an article for Good Housekeeping magazine at the age of 14.

He was conscripted to work in the coal mines as a "Bevin Boy" during the Second World War, but was transferred to the Army Pay Corps due to ill-health. This led to work on television, including the BBC's children's show Whirligig (1950),

Novels and songs He published several novels, including the novelisation of his Doctor Who serial "The Mind Robber" for Target Books; three novels in the "Crown House" series, Crown House (1988), Crown Papers (1989) and Crown Wars (1996); three in the "Docklands Saga" or "Watermen" series, High Water (1991), Flood Water (1992) and Storm Water (1993); two stand-alone novels, Halfway to Heaven (1994) and Happy Tomorrow (1995); and bodice-rippers under the name Petra Lee. He also wrote songs, including "Why Not Now?", which was a hit for Matt Monro in 1961.

Death He died on 14 September 2006 after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for some years.