ACTOR and writer Donald Churchill has died while on location in Spain

with the television drama series El CID, Granada Television said last

night. He was 60.

Mr Churchill, who played the irascible harbour master Metcalf, had a

long string of acting credits on television, stage and films in a career

spanning more than 30 years.

His television appearances included a lead role in Spooner's Patch.

More recently he was seen in the latest series of the police show Van

Der Valk.

As a writer, he enjoyed television hits including Moody and Pegg and

the war film Zeppelin. His most notable stage success was Fringe

Benefits, which played at London's Whitehall Theatre.

He was married to the actress Pauline Yates -- currently to be seen as

Reggie Perrin's wife in the re-run of the BBC comedy series starring

Leonard Rossiter -- and they had two daughters.

Granada's head of drama Sally Head said: ''We are all shocked at this

sad news. Donald was a much loved friend and colleague and will be

deeply missed by everyone at Granada and on El CID.''

His death was the second tragedy to hit the programme. On Monday, the

series production accountant Brian Hughes, 55, died in his sleep, also

while on location.