THE acclaimed scientist and television presenter Professor Heinz Wolff has died aged 89.

The German-born inventor suffered heart failure on December 15 his family said in a statement released through Brunel University in London.

He moved to Brunel from the Medical Research Council in 1983 and was a former adviser to the European Space Agency.

He also presented BBC2's long-running science show The Great Egg Race from 1977 to 1986 and was known for his trademark bow tie and tufts of hair above the ears.

A Jewish refugee, he came to Britain with his father and other relatives from Berlin in September 1939 as an 11-year-old, on the day the Second World War broke out.

He then undertook a distinguished scientific career, which included inventing a machine for counting patients’ blood cells.

Colleagues at Brunel, where he was an emeritus professor, recalled his passion for practical jokes, including arriving at his 80th birthday party celebrations on a scooter propelled by fire extinguishers.

Professor Julia Buckingham, Brunel vice-chancellor and president, said: "He was a wonderful friend and supporter to staff and to students – and an inspiration to all of us."

He was married to Joan until her death in 2014, and had two sons and four grandchildren.