A TV and stage actress with strong connections to Leigh has died aged 86.

Peggy Mount, who became known to millions as a fearsome battleaxe in the early ITV sitcom The Larkins, died after a long illness at Denville Hall Nursing Home in Northwood, west London.

Until recently she had lived in Elmsleigh Drive, Leigh, and had attended the North Street School in Leigh as a child.

Despite her television roles in The Larkins and George and the Dragon, Miss Mount, who received an OBE in 1996, preferred to be remembered for her many serious stage roles.

Starring in the West End for many years she won plaudits for her performances in All Things Bright And Beautiful and Romeo and Juliet at the Old Vic.

Between 1983 and 1985 she was with the RSC at Stratford and the Barbican appearing in Measure for Measure and The Dillon.

Her film credits include The Naked Truth with Peter Sellers and Hotel Paradiso with Alec Guinness.

She had recently lost her sight and had suffered a series of strokes. News of her death was announced by her agent.

Beryl Schofield, of Cleveland Draive, Westcliff, a friend of Peggy and her sister, Nancy, said she would miss her friend and former colleague.

She said: "I met her during the war when we were both entertaining the troops.

"Peggy was a comedian and she was a brilliant actress, even as a young person.

"She had a very difficult childhood, both her and her sister, but both of them survived."

She added: "She was someone I knew really well and I am sorry to see that she has gone."

Published Thursday November 15, 2001