THE MP for Morecambe, Geraldine Smith, has backed calls for a permanent memorial in the resort to remember veteran actress Dame Thora Hird.

Dame Thora died on Saturday, aged 91. Friends of Morecambe Winter Gardens, an organisation she was a patron of, believe the town needs to honour her.

Some people have suggested a statue similar to that of Eric Morecambe on the seafront.

Other suggestions include having a memorial garden.