The actor and comedian Sir Norman Wisdom has died at the age of 95, his family have confirmed today.

The London-born comedian was famous for his slapstick film roles in the 1950s and 1960s, including the character Norman Pitkin.

He once appeared on stage at the Regent Theatre in Ipswich - then known as The Gaumont - in 1965.

His family said he died “peacefully” at the Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man.

In a statement, the family said: “Over the last six months Norman has sustained a series of strokes causing a general decline in both his physical and mental health.

“He had maintained a degree of independence until a few days ago. However, over the last few days his condition rapidly declined.

“He was in no pain or distress and peacefully passed over at 6.46pm on October 4.”

The family asked for time to grieve a “much loved father and grandfather”.

Sir Norman appeared in 32 television sitcoms, 19 films and won Royal approval with a string of Command Performances.