The man who wrote Benny Hill's theme

The man who wrote the most famous tune in comedy has died.

Guitarist James 'Spider' Rich wrote the quirky jazz instrumental Yakety Sax in the Sixties.

It reached number 35 in the 1963 charts, but became internationally renowned as the theme from the Benny Hill Show.

Rich died at the age of 80 in Tennessee on Sunday.

A Second World War veteran, he co-wrote the song with Boots Randolph.

Its not yet known whether his most famous composition will be played at his funeral.

Published: 12 Nov 2003