A MEMORIAL service is to be held to celebrate the life of Inspector Morse author Colin Dexter.

The author, whose 13 Morse novels inspired the Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour TV series, lived in North Oxford. He died in March aged 86.

Following his death, Dr Antony Richards, chairman of the Inspector Morse Society proposed a statue of Mr Dexter should be built and a £50,000 memorial fund has been launched, with a view to building the statue in Diamond Place, Summertown by 2019 or 2020.

Now it has been revealed an invitation-only memorial service will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday, April 26.

Following the service there will be a civic reception at Oxford Town Hall.

The Dean of Christ Church, the Very Rev Prof Martyn Percy, said: “Colin Dexter is an iconic figure here in Oxford through his creation of some of our city’s best-loved fictional characters.

“It is absolutely fitting that the cathedral should open its doors to his family and friends for his memorial service.

“We look forward to welcoming them next year and helping them to celebrate the wonderfully full life of a man whose writing gave pleasure to millions in the UK.”

The memorial service follows a private family funeral.

Mr Dexter was appointed an OBE in 2000 for services to literature, and in 2001 he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Oxford.

The 13 Morse books were translated into 29 languages and sold 4m copies in the UK alone.

In 2000, 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Morse, played by John Thaw, die in the last of 33 episodes of the ITV series, which inspired sequel Lewis and prequel Endeavour.

Lord Mayor of Oxford Jean Fooks said it was entirely fitting there should be a memorial service and civic reception for Mr Dexter.

She added: “I’m delighted people will come together to celebrate Colin’s life.”