A DOCUMENTARY film maker who helped to change attitudes towards the homeless has died at the age of 72.

Jeremy Sandford, who grew up near Leominster, died in his sleep on Monday.

Mr Sandford, who suffered a stroke last year, was commissioned to make a television play in 1966 which would highlight the problems of homelessness.

The result, 'Cathy Come Home', had a tremendous effect on society and is still regarded by many as one of the most influential dramas ever seen on British television.

Destitute

It encouraged Birmingham to stop its policy of separating destitute families and sparked the launch of campaign group Shelter.

The play, which showed social services as uncaring, sparked outrage, but the BBC refused to apologise for showing it. In fact they aired it again two months later and twice more after that.

Mr Sandford was born on December 5, 1930, and lived with his family in Eye Manor, a country house near Leominster.

He went to Eton, where he played the clarinet and started to display signs of unconventionality which were to become his trademark. He later went on to Oxford.

During the 50s and 60s, he made short documentaries for BBC radio. His first TV request came in 1963 and was a portrait of the Hilton Hotel.

Although this was commissioned by the hotel for its anniversary, he focused on overworked and underpaid staff rather than the elegance of the building.

The management of the Savoy were so outraged after seeing a preview of the show, they tried to take out an injunction, but this failed.

Another subject which was very close to Mr Sandford's heart was Gipsies. His grandmother was a member of the Gipsy Lore Society, and he tirelessly campaigned on their behalf, editing their newspaper Romano Drom.

He married twice, latterly to his current wife Philippa, who he remained with until his death.

He also leaves behind three sons, Roc, Reuben and Jem - all from his first marriage.