A PUPPETEER whose crafted living dolls appeared on early BBC programmes has died in Malvern aged 103.

Olive Blackham, described by her nephew Paul Blackham as a "free spirit", passed away at a nursing home on Friday, June 14.

Unmarried Miss Blackham, who lived most of her life in a converted barn in the Cotswolds, made her claim to fame in the 1930s when she appeared on TV with her unique string-operated marionettes.

"She didn't have a proper bathroom at the barn, but she did have a small theatre where she conducted workshops," said Mr Blackham.

He revealed that after appearing on TV, she toured Europe with her puppets, which weren't quite life-sized.

Miss Blackham died at the Sherborne Tower Care Centre, where she had lived for the past four years.

"Olive had the knack of seeing the remarkable in the ordinary," added Mr Blackham.

"She would often break into the flow of conversation and exclaim 'there lies a tale' and proceed to create from some well-known event a compelling story of great drama.

Wonderful tales

"She had a great sense of all things colourful, humorous and ridiculous, and from these she wove wonderful tales."

Mr Blackham described his aunt as "strong-willed and eccentric".

"Story has it that when she worked at the bank, they allowed her to finish her work in double-quick time and write plays for the theatre when her work was complete," he added.

"At this point, Olive would place a sign on her desk saying 'do not disturb - writing' which was always respected."

Her funeral is due to be held at Hereford Crematorium at 2pm tomorrow.

There are no flowers by request, but donations are welcome to The Puppet Centre Trust, c/o Holland Funeral Service, 71 Barnards Green, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 3LS.