Tributes paid across Surrey for Dame Penelope Keith

Tributes have poured in from across Surrey for local actress Dame Penelope Keith, who has died at the age of 86.

Born in the county, Dame Penelope became a household name playing Margo in The Good Life from 1975, winning the Bafta TV award for best light entertainment performance in 1977.

In a statement, her family said on Monday that she "died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey".

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford said: "Penny has been the most incredible, energetic, supportive ambassador for the theatre over the years, generously giving her time and invaluable insight, championing our fundraising campaigns to ensure the theatre thrived."

"She was a regular face at the theatre, including Boxing Day trips to panto with the family, and was loved by audiences and by us alike," a spokesperson from the theatre added.

"Her warmth, dry sense of humour and boundless energy will be greatly missed."

Michael More-Molyneux, the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, told BBC Radio Surrey how he met the "extraordinary" Dame Penelope 30 years ago as their sons went to the same school.

"We know her as a star of stage and screen, but she was very involved in Surrey with good causes and looking out for people," he explained.

"She was always concerned about the state of life in our county and was a tremendous friend to so many people in our county."

Former culture secretary and current MP for Godalming and Ash, Sir Jeremy Hunt, added: "She was incredible and part of a Great British tradition of having a laugh at ourselves.

"When you met her in private, her voice was exactly the same.

"She was much loved in the community and served as High Sheriff of Surrey - it's a very sad day indeed."

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