FRIENDS of the late Dame Thora Hird are being invited to a special memorial service in Westminster Abbey.

It will be dedicated to the actress's life with a gathering of friends, family and colleagues.

The BBC has written to Evelyn Archer, Friends of the Winter Gardens (Victoria Pavilion) chairman, asking if she would like to attend and has extended the invitation to others who knew Morecambes most famous daughter.

She said the Friends hoped to raise the idea of transforming the Winter Gardens into a stage and theatre school with people at the service, including plans to dedicate the auditorium to Dame Hird.

Admission to the service on September 15 will be by ticket only. Contact Evelyn Archer on 01524 422180 if you wish to attend.