Dame Thora Hird's family have requested privacy

The private service was to be attended by family but none of her many showbusiness friends were expected to attend.

The actress - who was born in Morecambe, Lancashire - lived close to her daughter, Jane, in the town.

Dame Thora's family are planning to hold a full memorial service for the actress later this year.

Dame Thora, 91, suffered a stroke on 10 March and died five days later at Brinsworth House, a south-west London retirement home for actors.

Her agent, Felix de Wolfe, made known the funeral plans on Monday night.

"The family of the late Dame Thora Hird have announced that her funeral will take place on Tuesday 25 March in Chichester," said Mr de Wolfe.

"The service is to be attended by members of the immediate family only.

"Her family have requested that members of the press respect their privacy during this difficult time.

"There will be a full memorial service within the next few months to celebrate her life."

Dame Thora, most recently seen in the BBC One comedy Last of the Summer Wine, had many friends in the entertainment industry.

Four Baftas

Chat show host Michael Parkinson described her as a "game old gal" and she was also friends with the late Harry Secombe and comedian Bob Monkhouse.

Born in Morecambe, Lancashire, in 1911, her first appearance on stage was at the tender age of just eight weeks. She became a full-time actress in 1931.

Her career included winning four Baftas, and she appeared in many films, including The Entertainer with Laurence Olivier and Marlon Brando in The Nightcomers.

She later won acclaim for her performances in the Alan Bennett BBC TV plays Talking Heads, which the playwright wrote especially for her.