A STAR of Worcestershire's theatre scene has died suddenly while on holiday.

Liz Brownridge, aged 59, was in Algarve, Portugal, with her husband David when she suffered a heart attack on Thursday, August 16.

A member of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) for 35 years, Mrs Brownridge will be remembered for her dedication to and passion for local amateur dramatics.

Bruce Wyatt, current secretary of WODS said, "She had contributed so much to maintaining the highest possible standards of performance with her enthusiasm on and off stage - there will be a huge gulf that will be impossible to fill.

"She will be sadly and greatly missed by many and our prayers and thoughts go out to David and her two step-daughters Vickie and Helen."

Born in Hull, Yorkshire, Mrs Brownridge trained as a dancer from a young age. By the time she was 17 she had joined a local dance troupe and was involved with three operatic societies.

When she moved to Worcester in 1972 to work in the pathology laboratory of the former Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, she joined WODS, Kays Theatre Group and the Swan Theatre Amateur Company.

Performing quickly became a full-time hobby. As well as having a number of leading roles in WODS musical shows, Mrs Brownridge was a member of the governing committee for 20 years and honorary secretary for 12.

As a director her work included the award-winning productions of Chess in 2003, HMS Pinafore in 2005, and, more recently, The Full Monty.

In honor of her devoted service she was elected president of WODS in March this year.

Mrs Brownridge was 39-years-old when she discovered she was adopted.

Although she never met her real mother, in 1993 she traced her biological father to Scotland where she met him, her sister and half-brother for the first time.

Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed.