As the final episode of Endeavour airs on ITV tonight, we look back at the long-running saga of Oxford's most famous detective with pictures from the Oxford Mail's archives.

The original Inspector Morse series and its spin-off Lewis were huge hits, putting Oxford and, in particular, it's colleges and pubs, in the glocal spotlight.

See more: Inspector Lewis takes over on Morse's beat - in pictures

Way back in the first days of 1987, television viewers were introduced to the detective, played by John Thaw, on his first case with Sgt Lewis.

First names were not forthcoming for many years.

Audiences grew to love the Oxford officers created by author Colin Dexter. He too appeared in their TV investigations, with a cameo in each tale.

See more: Endeavour - on location in 'gritty 1960s Oxford' - in pictures

The first episode was called The Dead Of Jericho. Many other familiar places were name-checked along the way, including Wolvercote, Woodstock, along with fictional colleges - frequently the scenes of mysterious murders.

Oxford Mail: (Morse) Inspector Lewis (Kevin Whately) being filmed on Magdalen Bridge Oxford . 02/08/05 Pic Moselle Kennedy.

Lewis (Kevin Whately) being filmed on Magdalen Bridge Oxford. Picture: Moselle Kennedy

Oxford Mail: Colin Dexter is given awarded the Freedom of the City in 2001

Inspector Morse author, Colin Dexter, awarded the Freedom of the City of Oxford at a ceremony at the Town Hall. Lord Mayor Aureen Christian made the presentation, and stars of the Morse television films attended, Including John Thaw and Kevin Whately

Oxford Mail: John Thaw as Inspector Morse at Oxford station in 1987

Make up for Morse

Oxford Mail: The Remorse Day - the last episode of Inspector Morse in 2000 Photo ITV

John Thaw and Kevin Whately in the Remorseful Day

Oxford Mail: Sgt Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Insp. Morse (John Thaw), relax between takes, during filming in Oxford. Pic: Richard Cave 21/03/2000 Friday 31 January 2003

Sgt Lewis (Kevin Whately) and Insp. Morse (John Thaw), relax between takes, during filming in Oxford.

Oxford Mail: Kevin Whately and John Thaw in 2000 as Lewis and Morse in Inspector Morse Photo: ITV

Morse and Lewis with that trademark red Jaguar. Picture: Carlton Pictures

Oxford Mail: INSPECTOR MORSE (R) THE DEAD OF JERICHO Saturday 1 July 2000 ITV Network Pictured: John Thaw as Inspector Morse FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT CARLTON PICTURES: PAT SMITH 0207 615 1622

John Thaw as Inspector Morse. Carlton Pictures

Oxford Mail: Celebrity Golf North Oxford: Football know-all Jimmy Hill solves the mystery of golf with Morse star Kevin Whately. 1991. Picture: David Fleming

Celebrity Golf North Oxford: Football know-all Jimmy Hill with Morse star Kevin Whately. in 1991. Picture: David Fleming

Oxford Mail: Morse British actors Kevin Whately and John Thaw. 1992

Morse British actors Kevin Whately and John Thaw. 1992

Oxford Mail: Kevin Whately Launching the 1992 charity Birmingham to Oxford bikeride is actor Kevin Whately.

Morse British actors Kevin Whately and John Thaw. 1992

Oxford Mail: P.C. Malcolm Townsend in the last "morse" episode., 1994.

PC Malcolm Townsend in the last Morse  episode in 1994Oxford Mail: John Thaw in an ITV publicity shot for Morse, with the inspector's iconic red Jaguar car.

John Thaw in an ITV publicity shot for Morse, with the inspector's iconic red Jaguar car

Oxford Mail: nspector Morse star, John Thaw, with Colin Dexter.. November 1994

Inspector Morse star, John Thaw, with Colin Dexter. November 1994