Actress and impressionist Janet Brown, best known for her impersonation of Lady Thatcher, died today.

Her agent said the 87-year-old died in her sleep in a nursing home in Hove after a short illness.

In a career going back to the 1930s, she worked with stars including Hughie Green, Tony Hancock and George Cole.

She is best remembered for her portrayal of the former prime minister on television in the 1970s and 1980s and also played the Iron Lady in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only.

Her agent Susan Angel said: "She was a delightful client and we will all miss her very much - her knowledge of sport was second to none.”