RICHARD Griffiths, one of Britain's most celebrated character actors, has died from complications following heart surgery.

The 65-year-old stage and screen star, who was born in Thornaby, Stockton, played Uncle Vernon Dursley in the Harry Potter films.

Daniel Radcliffe, who played Harry Potter alongside him, led tributes to the actor whose "encouragement, tutelage and humour made work a joy".

Radcliffe, who also performed with Griffiths in the stage play Equus, said: "Richard was by my side during two of the most important moments of my career.

"In August 2000, before official production had even begun on Potter, we filmed a shot outside the Dursleys, which was my first ever shot as Harry. I was nervous and he made me feel at ease.

"Seven years later, we embarked on Equus together. It was my first time doing a play but, terrified as I was, his encouragement, tutelage and humour made it a joy.

"In fact, any room he walked into was made twice as funny and twice as clever just by his presence. I am proud to say I knew him."

Griffiths died yesterday at the University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire.

He was born in Thornaby in 1947, the son of parents who were both deaf, so he learned sign language before he was able to speak.

As a child, he tried to run away from home on several occasions, and left school when only 15. After taking a job as a porter, he was persuaded to try again with his education at Stockton and Billingham College, where a drama class was to have a lasting influence on his future.