ACTOR and comedian Ronnie Corbett - who filmed scenes for The Two Ronnies in Dursley, Berkeley and Thornbury - has died at the age of 85.

He was well known for the popular sketch show The Two Ronnies, parts of which were filmed in Dursley, Thornbury and at Berkeley Castle.

A statement from his publicist said: "Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation's best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.

"They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."

Parsonage Street in Dursley, the High Street in Thornbury and Berkeley Castle were used as locations for scenes in The Two Ronnies sketch 'The Worm that Turned'.

Anne Martin, of Bussage near Stroud, recalled the show being filmed in Berkeley in the early 80s.

She said: "It was for a little sketch they did called the Worm that Turned. My parents had The Salutation Inn at Ham, Berkeley and they were filming the show there.

"I think Diana Dors was in it too. Lots of ladies in black leather trousers. The local men didn't know where to put themselves!! Ha Ha!

"I happened to be camping with the guides at the time in Berkeley and they came to see us. Lovely chaps and very funny!"

She added: "I met the two Ronnies once. They were dressed as women and I was camping with the girl guides. I was only ten and a bit confused to see them dressed as women!! Then Ronnie Corbett said aren't you small for a girl guide!! Pot and kettle come to mind!! They were lovely and at least we have some funny memories from those two chaps!"

Corbett also had a starring role in David Frost's The Frost Report.

The Two Ronnies is still hailed as one of the most popular TV programmes of the late 20th century.

Corbett began his acting career at the age of 15, when he starred in a pantomime at his local church youth club.

The versatile comedian also hosted the BBC One game show Small Talk for two years from 1994-96.

Corbett and his wife, Anne Hart, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year.

The much-loved actor was awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for his services to charity and the entertainment industry.

His wife later revealed that, during a celebration to mark the achievement, he had collapsed in a restaurant and was rushed to hospital.

Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said: "Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful comic and entertainer. A man of great charm and warmth who brought laughter and joy to millions. He was quite simply one of the true greats of British comedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

His Two Ronnies co-star Barker died in 2005.

The pair's partnership dated back to a fortuitous meeting with David Frost, who invited Corbett to appear in The Frost Report.

Following his success alongside Frost, Barker and John Cleese in The Frost Report, Corbett went on to enjoy a string of other TV successes including Corbett's Follies and No, That's Me Over Here.