Sylvia Anderson: Voice of Thunderbirds' Lady Penelope dies aged 88

The actress was best known for voicing the iconic Thunderbirds character

Sylvia Anderson pictured in 1962 with one of her puppets (Rex)

Sylvia Anderson has died aged 88, following a short illness.

The actress created the hit series Thunderbirds with her late husband Gerry. She voiced the iconic character Lady Penelope between 1965 and 1968 and was considered by many to be a pioneer for women working in television at that time.

Born Sylvia Thamm on 27 March 1927, she had a long and accomplished career in the media. She obtained a degree in Economics and Sociology from the London School of Economics, before working on Thunderbirds and later becoming a talent scout for the HBO channel, as well as penning a novel.

Her daughter confirmed that she died at her home in Bray, Berkshire, saying: "Sylvia was a mother and a legend- her intelligence was phenomenal but her creativity and tenacity unchallenged."

She added: "She was a force in every way, and will be sadly missed."

With additional reporting by PA