THE Archbishop of York has paid tribute to Dame Thora Hird, following her death at the age of 91.

Dr David Hope, who was a close friend of one of Britain's best-loved actresses, said: "We thank God for the life of Dame Thora, she was a truly gifted actress and extremely faithful person.

"Dame Thora not only communicated the faith with simplicity and fun, she inspired many others in so doing. We will miss her."

Dame Thora, who died at the weekend after suffering a stroke, most recently starred in the BBC comedy Last Of The Summer Wine.

But the devout Christian was also involved in worship programme Songs Of Praise during her later years.

Her masterpiece was believed by many to have been Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, but she also starred in many 60s and 70s sitcoms such as In Loving Memory, and in award-winning bitter-sweet roles. She was made a Dame of the British Empire in 1993.

Updated: 10:32 Monday, March 17, 2003