Veteran actor Sir Donald Sinden has died at his Kent home aged 90 after a long illness.

Theatres in the West End will dim their lights for one minute from 7pm this evening in tribute to Sir Donald.

He had been battling prostate cancer for several years and passed away in Tenterden, his family confirmed.

Sir Donald made his name on stage as a Shakespearean actor, but appeared in more than 70 films and TV shows - including most recently the drama Judge John Deed.

He was appointed a CBE in 1979 and then knighted in 1997 for his services to drama.

His family described his death as a "huge loss" and former James Bond actor Sir Roger Moore was among those to pay tribute to "a wonderful actor".

The Sinden Theatre, named after him was opened in the grounds of Homewood School in Tenterden in 2004.

Staff and students at Homewood School reacted with sadness to the death of Sir Donald, who became a patron in 2002.

Principal Sally Lees said: "Sir Donald was a great friend to the school.

"He showed a genuine and sincere interest in the work of the Sinden Theatre and was always encouraging to young people who shared his passion for theatre.

"He was fun and engaging to talk to and we are very fortunate to have benefited from his interest in our school..." - Homewood School principal Sally Lees

"He was fun and engaging to talk to and we are very fortunate to have benefited from his interest in our school."

Ashford MP Damian Green said on Twitter: "Very sad news about Donald Sinden.

"He was a huge supporter of Tenterden and local causes, and incidentally a brilliant stand up comedian!"

Tributes were also paid by people living in Tenterden, who said he was a familiar face in the area.

Callum Knowles said on Twitter: "Am very sad to hear of the death of Sir Donald Sinden he was a lovely man. I will miss talking to him on the train. A sad loss to Tenterden."

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