Dame June Whitfield has been warmly remembered for her fighting spirit and love of theatre.

The veteran actress who called Wimbledon home, died aged 93 on December 28 last year.

She was described as "humble", a "friendly goddess" and having "the warmest heart" by a string of big names including Emma Bunton and Miranda Hart.

Spice Girl Bunton, who appeared alongside Dame June in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie in 2016, said her late co-star was "such an incredible lady".

"I was so nervous working with her but she had a way of making you feel comfortable and special.

Thank you Dame June Whitfield," she said on Twitter.

In a touching tweet, Hart recalled meeting Dame June, who once took a chance on the future award-winning comedian by backing one of her shows.

She wrote: "I once sent a letter to many actors as a budding (I mean desperate) comedy actor to ask for sponsorship for the Edinburgh Festival. Dame June replied. Fifteen years later when I met her she had all my letters and the notes of the show she sponsored. I cried then too."

But it was her work in the community that some will most remember.

A passionate supporter of the New Wimbledon Theatre, June performed on the stage many times.

She then later became president of the Founder Friends of Wimbledon Theatre, a role she held for more 20 years.

She was also an avid supporter of the South East Cancer Help Centre where she was known to spend hours talking to its cancer patients, carers and volunteers.

"Everyone looked forward to June’s visits to the centre where she would make sure that she talked to as many cancer patients, carers and volunteers as possible." the SECHC's chairwoman, Jennifer Mollett said.

"We cannot thank her enough for the joy she brought us all.

“We will all miss her quiet strength and support and our thoughts are with her family at this very sad time.”