Shropshire-born Game of Thrones star Peter Vaughan dies at 93

The star, born in Wem in 1923, was best known for his role as Maester Aemon in the TV hit, while he also appeared in sitcom Porridge.

He also lived in Wellington as a child.

A statement from his agent, Sally Long-Innes, said: "This is to confirm that very sadly Peter Vaughan passed away at approximately 10.30am this morning.

"He died peacefully with his family around him."

Mr Vaughan's aunt Iris Ohm had been a founder member of Wem Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, and he was the society's patron.

President Margaret Simmons said: "I spoke to him only a month ago, he seemed to be cheerful, we talked a bit about ageing, because of his age and I'm 83.

"He never forgot where he came from, even at the height of his fame in the 1970s he would regularly come to Wem. We have many happy memories."

See Peter in Game of Thrones here:

Despite being in only three episodes of Porridge alongside Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale, Vaughan made his mark as villain Harry "Grouty" Grout.

He was appearing in a play when he was asked to take on the role.

"I still get people saying 'Let you out, have they, Grouty?" the actor said more than 40 years later.

"I was in just three episodes and, of course, the feature film, so I have to thank the writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais for the fact I'm one of the characters people always remember when they talk about Porridge because Grouty is so prominent - even though I'm not there."

Peter Vaughan: Obituary

From the age of seven, Peter lived in Staffordshire where he attended Uttoxeter Grammar School.

After leaving school the star joined Wolverhampton Repetory Theatre, before taking part in Army service during the Second World War.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star back in July, Peter said: "All my memories about my career are happy.

"To be able to be paid all of your life to do what you love in very rare. I've had that, and I'm grateful.

"I've been a bit different from anyone else I suppose. I've done a wide range of work. I've done the whole spectrum. I'm a character actor, I should be able to play anything that I have the physical ability to do. And that's where I've been lucky."

Vaughan was also known for 1970s TV series Citizen Smith and later, Our Friends In The North, playing Felix Hutchinson, Christopher Eccleston's character's father.

He played "a hard nut with Alzheimer's" and said afterwards: "It was the first time that had been done."

He also appeared in 1967 spy thriller The Naked Runner, starring Frank Sinatra.

"The great thing about Frank was that you had to stand up to him very quickly. If you did that, he respected you, otherwise he'd walk all over you," Vaughan said.

But recently it was starring in Game Of Thrones, which made him famous to millions around the world.

The actor was partially sighted and portrayed the blind character for five years.

Vaughan was born Peter Ohm on April 4, 1923. He was married to actress Billie Whitelaw for 12 years.

He later wed actress Lillias Walker, whom he met in his repertory days.