A popular children’s entertainer has died suddenly at his Leeds home.
Douglas Bevons helped to entertain generations of children across Leeds for the last 28 years as Jingles the Jester.
The 69-year-old died suddenly at his Meanwood home surrounded by his family on Sunday.
The grandfather was renowned for his fun magic shows which saw him creating balloon animals of all shapes and size for children’s parties and village fairs.
Daughter Regan Bevons said that her dad donned his bright red and yellow outfit after appearing on popular television shows including Heartbeat, Emmerdale and The Bill.
She said: “A lot of people will remember him at parties as he was quite unforgettable in his bright red and yellow outfit with bells on.
“Many of the families that he did his magic shows for came back to use him again and again over the years.
“Some who had him as entertainers at their own birthday parties when they were young then continued to book him for their own children after they had grown up.
“My dad loved his work as Jingles the Jester and had no plans to retire.
“He did his last party just two weeks ago.
“He will be sorely missed but leaves many happy memories.”
Mr Bevons also became a Santa at Allders Department store in Leeds City Centre nearly 10 years ago.
He stepped into the role three years earlier when the previous Santa fell ill and relished the role since.
Speaking to the YEP at the time he said: “You don’t just put on the costume, you’ve got to get into the part.
“As an actor 15 years ago I was asked to do a show for children which was something I had always tried to avoid.
“But I found I had an affinity with children. They just liked me.
“Children are naturally funny.
“They have me in stitches on a daily basis.”
Mr Bevons leaves behind his devoted wife of 43 years and their seven children, as well as three daughters from a previous marriage.
He also had 10 grandchildren.
laura.bowyer@ypn.co.uk