Trivia

He was awarded the C.B.E. (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2005 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Drama.

He had 3 children with his first wife, Stephen born 1962, Janet born 1964 and David born 1966 and became step father to his second wife's children Peterr born 1958, John born 1961 and Paul born 1967.

Alan became a Yorkshireman by adoption

Alan was made a Doctor of Letters of the University of Hull in April 1985

His play, "Peggy for You," performed at the Comedy Theatre was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award in 2001 (2000 season) for Best Comedy.

.Trained as an architect and turned to writing in 1962.

His sister was a teacher.

His mother was a shorthand typist.

He was educated at Kingston High School, Hull 1946 -53, Kings College, Newcastle Upon Tyne {University of Durham } 53 =58.

He is a member of the Writers Guild of Great Britain.

He is Hon Doctor of Civil Law, University of Northumbria at Newcastle, (1997), Honorary Doctor of Literature, University of Hull (1985).

He wrote Joe Madison's War basing it on his father's wartime experiences and was completely North East which is the region Alan is from;,. Filming took place at South Shields, Marsden Grotto,, and Washington with a North East cast which included Tim Healey. John Woodvine, Robson Green, and Melanie Hill.

He gave his last interview to the Radio Times, which was published in September 2010.

London, England (July 2008)