West End actress and Carry On film star Patsy Rowlands has died after a three-year battle with cancer.

The much-loved performer, famed for her roles in the popular British comedies, died in her sleep on Saturday at the Martlets Hospice in Hove.

Family and friends have paid tribute to the Hove actress, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001.

Her son, Alan Sircom said: "I am deeply upset yet relieved on Patsy's behalf that her long period of suffering is finally over."

Patsy, who was in her late 60s, embarked on a career in show business after an elocution teacher spotted her talent and encouraged her to apply to stage school.

When she was 15, Patsy won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Speech and Drama, before taking to the stage at the Saville Theatre in Sandy Wilson's Valmouth.

Patsy's appearances in the West End included performances at the National Theatre as well as numerous musical roles such as My Fair Lady and Me And My Girl.

But it was her appearance in the Carry On films which brought Patsy to the public's attention in the late Sixties and early Seventies.

The actress teamed up with Barbara Windsor, Sid James and Hattie Jacques, appearing in nine films in seven years, including Carry On Doctor, Carry On Loving and Carry On At Your Convenience.

It was her role in the ITV comedy Bless This House alongside Sid James, which secured Patsy's future in the Carry On films.

The actor was so impressed by her performance he recommended her to the cast.

Patsy's more recent TV appearances included the BBC's Canterbury Tales and Vanity Fair and she also returned to the stage in Sam Mendes' production of Oliver! at the London Palladium.

Revealing how Patsy continued to receive fan mail for her Carry On roles, agent Simon Beresford said: "She replied to every letter and sent back photographs. She never minded that people didn't really know about her other work.

"When her character for a recent role was described as having 'a face like a mouldy crumpet', she just laughed and said 'We'll have some fun with this one'."