HAPPY birthday Dame Judi Dench.

It is hard to believe York's Oscar winning movie star has hit 70.

She retains that ageless magic which set her apart from her fellow cast members in the Mystery Plays more than half a century ago.

Her extraordinary stage and screen career has been rightfully rewarded with all manner of honours, not least Dame Judi being named York's Millennium Person.

Today her legion of fans will be delighted to learn she is as busy as ever.

All that is left is to wish our superstar many happy box office returns.

Updated: 10:13 Thursday, December 09, 2004