Much-loved fantasy author, Sir Terry Pratchett, has died at the age of 66.

The Beaconsfield-born author, who was best known for the Discworld series, was once a reporter at the Bucks Free Press.

Sir Terry wrote more than 70 books. Despite being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2007, he continued writing and completed his final book last summer.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Transworld Publishers.

Larry Finlay, the managing director, said: “I was deeply saddened to learn that Sir Terry Pratchett has died. The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds.

“In over 70 books, Terry enriched the planet like few before him. As all who read him know, Discworld was his vehicle to satirize this world: he did so brilliantly, with great skill, enormous humour and constant invention.

“Terry faced his Alzheimer's disease (an 'embuggerance', as he called it) publicly and bravely. Over the last few years, it was his writing that sustained him. His legacy will endure for decades to come.

“My sympathies go out to Terry's wife Lyn, their daughter Rhianna, to his close friend Rob Wilkins, and to all closest to him.”

“Terry passed away in his home, with his cat sleeping on his bed surrounded by his family on 12th March 2015.

“Diagnosed with PCA1 in 2007, he battled the progressive disease with his trademark determination and creativity, and continued to write.

“He completed his last book, a new Discworld novel, in the summer of 2014, before succumbing to the final stages of the disease.

“We ask that the family are left undisturbed at this distressing time.”

Sir Terry's twitter account posted the news of his departure.

 

 

 

Sir Terry, who was knighted in 2009, worked as a reporter for the Bucks Free Press in 1965 after being unconvinced a career as a fiction writer would make him a living.

He attended John Hampden Grammar School between 1959 to 1965. The school paid tribute to their former student.

In a statement released by the school, they said: “Staff and students at John Hampden Grammar School are deeply saddened to hear of the death of alumni Sir Terry Pratchett. 

“Educated at this state grammar school, Sir Terry was a great supporter of the school and indeed features in the current school prospectus having visited the school for a photo-shoot with students.

“A great inspiration to students and staff Sir Terry's books are still the most popular in the school.

“His first 'published' short story was in the school magazine and the school has sent a copy of this to every parent as a small tribute to him.”

 

 

Penguin Books put the following tribute on its website: “The world has lost one of its brightest, sharpest minds. Rest in peace, Sir Terry Pratchett.”

 

 

Andrew Copson, the chief executive of the British Humanist Association, a campaign group Sir Terry, was a patron of, said: “Terry was a great humanist and stalwart supporter of our work for a fairer society.

“He will be missed by all of us who worked with him on the causes he cared about and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Celebrities and public figures posted tributes to the 'brilliant' man on social media this afternoon.