An actor who played TV's first black nurse landed a starring role in a Channel 4 drama.

Angela Bruce, from Lewes, starred in the documentary Mary Seacole: The Real Angel Of the Crimea, on Sunday.

Mary Seacole was a famous Jamaican nurse who won the hearts of the nation for her work treating the sick in the Crimean War of 1853-1856.

Angela's portrayal of Seacole is a career high for one of the most experienced black actors on British television.

Angela has played a number of strong female characters in productions ranging from Messiah II, Silent Witness and Red Dwarf to Coronation Street, Only Fools and Horses and Prime Suspect.

She was astonished by Seacole's story and was keen for the chance to play such a character.

She said: "This is one of the most exciting roles I have played.

"Mary Seacole's refusal to be categorised, put down or swayed from her course, is utterly inspiring."