DORA Bryan, the actress best known for her roles in Last of the Summer Wine and Absolutely Fabulous, has died.

She was 91.

The theatre, film and TV star died at a nursing home in Hove with her sons Daniel and William Lawton at her bedside. Daniel Lawton told her local newspaper: "It was heartbreaking but it was peaceful. She just left us.

"She was a tiny woman but her constitution was incredible. She loved being on stage. Not only did she do it, but she was good at it. She was a star, and a mum."

Ms Bryan won a best actress Bafta for the 1962 film A Taste of Honey. She also enjoyed a successful stage career, playing the title role in Hello, Dolly. She became an OBE in 1996.

Writing on Twitter, Lionel Blair said: "So very sad to hear of the passing of my good friend Dora Bryan. She was wonderful."