Actress Kathy Staff dies, aged 80

Kathy Staff has died at the age of 80 after a short illness.

The actress was best known for playing Nora Batty in 243 episodes of BBC sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine.

"We're distraught, but we have very fond memories of her," the show's producer Alan Bell told BBC News.

Bell also revealed that Staff's kind nature meant she had trouble adapting to the part of battleaxe Batty, saying: "She would play a scene quite gently, and I'd say: 'But Kathy, you've got to harden up, because that's who we all love, the hard, tough Nora Batty.'

"And she said: 'Why can't I be just soft and gentle at times?' And I said: 'Maybe some time we will.'"

The producer also praised her manner on set, calling her a "good lady".

"She was religious, she would never do anyone any harm. But above all that, she was thoroughly professional," he said.

Staff also appeared in Crossroads, Open All Hours and No Frills.