Funeral of Nora Batty actress Kathy

The 80-year-old died surrounded by her family at a hospice in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, on Saturday, December 13 after a long illness. Her husband of 57 years, John, was at her bedside.

The popular actress appeared in Coronation Street, Emmerdale Farm, Crossroads and Open All Hours during her 62-year career, but was most famous for playing Yorkshire battle-axe Nora Batty in the BBC comedy Last Of The Summer Wine.

With her curlers, wrinkled stockings and razor-sharp tongue, she became the nation's favourite harridan and Staff's most famous role.

She played the character in 243 episodes of the Yorkshire-based comedy, beginning in the first episode in January 1973 and making her last appearance in August.

Nora's attempts to fend off amorous advances from scruffy layabout Compo - often with a broom - were a Last Of The Summer Wine staple, with the show becoming a British institution loved by millions of TV viewers.

Despite her TV work, Staff was steadfast in staying in her local community in Dukinfield, Tameside, and a committed Christian and active member of the church.

She married John Staff in 1951 before appearing on stage many times in the 1970s, usually playing strong, upright and hard-working northern characters.

The vicar of Staff's church, the Reverend Alison Cox. said in real life the actress was completely different from her formidable screen persona and was "all about family and community".

The funeral service will be held at St Mark's Church in Dukinfield, where the actress was baptised and married.