TRIBUTES have been paid to award-winning actress Victoria Wood, who is fondly remembered locally for writing and starring in Housewife, 49.

The comedian, hailed as one of the greatest talents of her generation, died at home in London this morning following a short battle with cancer.

Housewife, 49

In Housewife, 49, Wood told the story of Nella Last, a housewife and mother in Barrow during the Second World War, using her diaries to piece together the script for the 2006 television film.

The critically acclaimed snapshot of Furness life during the German bombing campaign and Nella's struggling marriage earned Wood two BAFTA awards for acting and writing the following year.

The project involved filming in Parade Street and outside Barrow Town Hall, transporting the town back in time and using original 1930s double-decker buses and cars.

Terry Waiting, leader of Barrow Borough Council at the time of the filming, recalled the excitement around the town.

He said: "I didn't meet her but I saw her because some of the action took place round the town.

"When you watch it you are always looking out for landmarks and places you know.

"The film takes people back to an era when there was a war going on and the hardships in Barrow. 

"She was a popular lady. I'm sad she's died. She was down to earth and she was like us."

Before filming started in 2006, the star spent time in Barrow researching the role, visiting her character's former home in Ilkley Road.

Fond memories

Wood's connection to Cumbria didn't end there. She often visited the Lake District and opened the Beatrix Potter Places Treasure Trail in 2011.

It was at the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction in Bowness that nationally renowned folk singer Maz O'Connor, from Barrow, met Wood - while dressed as Peter Rabbit.

Remembering the occasion, the 25-year-old said: "I think it was about ten years ago.

"It was a charity event. There were lots of kids from Cumbria dressed up as characters from Beatrix Potter.

"She was the special guest of that day. She met us all. She was charming.

"It's a real shock she has died. She seemed so young because she had so much energy.

"She's been a big inspiration for woman in entertainment."

Wood was born in Prestwich, Lancashire, and lived in Silverdale for 10 years and Morecambe for two years.

She was well known for her comedy series Victoria Wood: As Seen On TV , as well as her role in sitcom Dinnerladies and her TV special Victoria Wood With All The Trimmings .

In 1997, she was made an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours and was then made a CBE in 2008.

She received a special BAFTA tribute award in 2005 for recognition of her lifetime of achievements.

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