TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved actor who performed for audiences for more than 65 years.

Hughie Malone, one of Consett’s premier entertainers, died suddenly in hospital after suffering from heart problems aged 80 on Wednesday morning.

He has performed at charity gigs in and around Derwentside since he was 14 and was well known as the pantomime dame at Christmas shows since the early 1980s.

In 2006, he was awarded the MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list for the contribution he has made to his community.

He regularly performed at clubs and care homes but his last official performance was as compere at the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Empire Theatre in Consett .

Alan Graham, chairman of CBS Musical and Stage Society, said “Hughie was a very big local character. Everyone knew him. He was an entertainer and comedian most of his life and he was well respected in the theatrical field.”

Last year he starred as the Genie in Aladdin alongside Vin Welch, father of television star Denise Welch, who was playing Widow Twanky.

Mr Welch said: “Hughie was fabulous and will be missed by everyone.”

Mr Malone had four sons, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

His funeral is at St Patrick’s RC Church in Consett at 10am on Tuesday December 2.

His youngest son, Hugh Malone, 53, said: “He loved the community and the community loved him. In our opinion, he was the greatest man who ever lived.”