UK author Leslie Thomas dies

British novelist Leslie Thomas, best known for book The Virgin Soldiers, has died aged 83.

Journalist-turned-novelist Thomas died at his home near Salisbury in Wiltshire yesterday after a lengthy illness.

Wife Diana said: “He had a wonderful life and he travelled the world. All he ever wanted to do was write and that is what he did.

“He died at home with his family around him.”

Thomas was born in Newport, South Wales and grew up in a Barnardo’s home. He started work as a reporter on a weekly newspaper before a Fleet Street stint with the London Evening News.

As a journalist he covered major stories including the trial of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann.

His time as a national serviceman inspired his most famous work, The Virgin Soldiers, which became a huge bestseller and a hit film.

The writer was given an OBE for services to literature in 2004.

He leaves his wife, four children and four grandchildren.