A former member of Watford Palace Theatre who supported the site during a major refurbishment, has died.

Ian Scleater, the honorary treasurer and deputy chairman of Watford Area Arts Forum from 2006 to 2018, devoted his life to supporting the arts in Watford.

Between 1994 and 2004, he was a member of the board of directors at the Palace Theatre, as he overlooked the major make over at the time.

Years later in 2008, he published a book titled ‘The Story of the Palace Theatre, Watford’ to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

On Twitter, Watford Palace Theatre announced his death and stated: “It’s with great sadness that we heard of the passing of our dear friend Ian Scleater.

“Ian, our honorary archivist, was part of the Palace throughout his life, and devoted time in his later years to fundraising for us and writing our theatre’s history.”

Upon his list of achievments, Mr Scleater was honoured by the Queen in 1989 and awarded as a Commander of the Victorian Order for his services between the 1960's and 1980's.

Mr Scleater was also honoured with a blue plaque at the Palace Theatre, after he helped raise more than £1 million for theatre refurbishments.

During his lifetime, he was a musical director and conductor for many amateur operatic societies in London and the Home Counties.