The former Bursar of an Oxford University college has put forward the idea of commemorating John Thaw's legacy to the city with a memorial.

Dr Robert Gasser, who retired after 19 years at Brasenose College in September last year, worked with John Thaw when Inspector Morse was being filmed in the city.

Dr Gasser said: "I do think it would be nice for there to be some kind of memorial to John Thaw in Oxford, such as a plaque.

"I believe Inspector Morse is one of the most successful detective series ever, and it appealed across the board, giving a lot of pleasure to both the city and the university."

Dr Gasser, who appeared as an extra in about half of the episodes, became involved with Inspector Morse in his role liaising between the university and film and television companies.

For many, Oxford is synonymous with Colin Dexter's fictional world of Inspector Morse. However, identifying a city site to commemorate the actor who brought the character to life would not be easy.

A number of Oxford colleges were used as locations in the series, so that no one college could be identified as the fictional Lonsdale College. The shows were also filmed in parts of Jericho and the Covered Market.

Dr Gasser praised John Thaw's professionalism. He said: "All the lovely things that have been said about him since he died are absolutely true in my experience.

"He was never puffed up and was always friendly and cracking jokes on the set. His acting may have looked effortless on television, but it was his professional attitude and dedication that made it so good."

The idea of appointing someone from the university to liaise with film and programme-makers came about in 1984 because of the complexities of establishing who owned land and buildings. After serving as bursar of Corpus Christi for 22 years before moving to Brasenose, Dr Gasser was the ideal candidate.

Last year, Oxfordshire County Council linked up with Oxford University's Said Business School to provide a public work of art. A statue of Inspector Morse was one of the suggestions put forward by Oxford Mail readers although, after consultation, the design for a £48,000 bronze Ox sculpture was unveiled.