Actress Shirley Anne Field who grew up in Bolton children's home has died at the age of 87, her family has announced.

The stage and screen star was brought to prominence in the 1960s following her role in The Entertainer opposite the late Laurence Olivier.

She went on to feature in films including comedy Alfie alongside Sir Michael Caine and kitchen sink drama Saturday Night And Sunday Morning with the late Albert Finney.

A statement shared by her representative from her family said: “It is with great sadness that we are sharing the news that Shirley Anne Field passed away peacefully on Sunday 10 December 2023, surrounded by her family and friends.

The Bolton News: Shirley Anne Field

“Shirley Anne will be greatly missed and remembered for her unbreakable spirit and her amazing legacy spanning more than five decades on stage and screen.”

Shirley Anne grew in Edgworth Children’s Home and was the guest of honour at an event to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the National Children’s Home charity in 2009.

She lived at the home with her brother after being evacuated from London during the Second World War.

The Bolton News: Shirley Anne Field shares her childhood memories in Bolton

Born in Forest Gate, Newham, on June 27 1936, Field first established herself as a model in the 1950s.

She later moved into the acting world, featuring in the 1956 comedy Loser Takes All and musical film It’s A Wonderful World.

After her appearance alongside esteemed actor Olivier, her celebrity grew and she went on to star in a string of films, television series and stage productions.

Among the hit films were 1962’s The War Lover alongside the late Steve McQueen and Robert Wagner and 1985’s rom-com My Beautiful Laundrette with Daniel Day-Lewis.

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