Grotbags star Carol Lee Scott dies aged 74

Children's TV star Carol Lee Scott, best known as Grotbags the witch, has died aged 74.

The entertainer appeared in several children's programmes in the 1980s and early 1990s, including the Rod Hull hit Emu's World.

Her death was announced by her niece Gina who posted a tribute on Twitter.

She wrote: "My dear aunty Carol passed away yesterday, RIP #Grotbags, I will miss you."

Her death led to an outpouring of nostalgic tributes by fans.

Among those remembering the performer was comedian Rufus Hound, who said she was "an icon for folk of my generation".

One Twitter user wrote: "She was a legend. Another part of our childhood has gone with her."

Another said: "When I was young, my parents would threaten me with Grotbags if I was naughty."

The Somerset-born actress's early career saw stints as a cabaret performer touring clubs in the north of England, a London pub singer and as a Pontins Blue Coat.

She spent 19 years working for the holiday park company before collaborating with Hull on a series of programmes in the 1980s.

The pair created Grotbags while performing a summer season in Cleethorpes, with the character first appearing in Emu's World in the 1980s before going it alone.

Also starring puppeteer Richard Coombs, Grotbags ran on ITV for three series between 1991 and 1993, with each episode following the antics of the green witch and her minions at her Gloomy Fortress.

Scott and Hull remained friends until his death in 1999.