The memory of Croydon novelist and dramatist RF Delderfield has been honoured with a blue plaque at his former home in Ashburton Avenue.

The unveiling ceremony was held on Thursday, September 4, and was attended by relatives of Mr Delderfield, the mayor of Croydon, Councillor Manju Shahul-Hameed, and about 40 other members of the community.

Mr Delderfield lived in Croydon from 1918 to 1923 and his novels in The Avenue series were based on his life in the area.

Mr Delderfield’s daughter Veronica Persse, who attended the ceremony, said she was “overwhelmed” with the recognition of her father, adding he would also have been amazed at receiving the honour.

Addiscombe and Shirley Park Residents’ Association (Aspra) provided the £250 required to commission the plaque and Hilary Chelminski, chairwoman of Aspra, thanked all those who had got behind the project, including the current home owner Fred Stothard.

She said: “Of course we had to approach the owners who fortunately were very aware of the history with Delderfield and were all for it.”

Mr Delderfield, born in 1912, was a prolific writer and many of his works were adapted into screenplays for television and film.

His 1947 novel All Over the Town was turned into a 1949 film starring Sarah Churchill, daughter of Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

Other works include Mr Sermon, A Horseman Riding By, and To Serve Them All My Days.

He served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War and afterwards his 1945 comedy play, Worm’s Eye View, ran for more than 2,000 performances at the Whitehall Theatre in London.

The first Carry On film, Carry On Sergeant of 1958, was based on Delderfield’s play The Bull Boys.

Mr Delderfield often reflected on his time in Croydon and fondly wrote: “These people are for the most part unsung... it is time somebody spoke of the suburbs, for therein, I have sometimes felt, lies the history of our race.”