It is Cult Faction’s sad duty to announce that actress Deddie Davies has passed away at the age of 78 years old.

Known for her roles as Mrs Perks in the Railway Children and as Marj in the valleys-based comedy Stella, Davies also made appearances in The Rag Trade, Chance in a Million, Swinging with the Finkels, Pride, The Forsyte Saga, The Bill, Upstairs, Downstairs, Grange Hill and Whitechapel.

In May 2007 she had an unexpected musical success as a member of superannuated pop group The Zimmers. Their cover version of “My Generation” highlighted the plight of the elderly, and reached number 26 in the UK Singles Chart.

Her agents, Brown, Simcocks and Andrews, said the actress also dedicated her time working with charities safeguarding the elderly and also “going undercover” to reveal issues in care homes.

Kelly Andrews, part of the team who represented Ms Davies for about 20 years, said: “She was extremely professional, but she was extraordinary fun and joyous to be around.

“She saw the best in everyone. She wasn’t just an actress but an activist – she really cared about it.”