'He lived a rich and full life': The Snowman creator Raymond Briggs dies aged 88

An animated version of The Snowman made for Channel 4 in 1982 has become a festive staple and has been shown every Christmas since.

Raymond Briggs (David Sandison/PA)

Author and illustrator Raymond Briggs, best known for the 1978 classic The Snowman, has died aged 88.

His family said in a statement through his publisher Penguin Random House that Briggs died on Tuesday morning.