THE glory days of the actor/manager Sir Donald Wolfit were remembered by his family, members of his touring theatre group and friends when a plaque commemorating his life was unveiled on the George and Dragon in Hurstbourne Tarrant.

It was the brainchild of Ronald James from Winchester who says his lifelong interest in drama was stimulated by the formidable presence of Sir Donald.

The local connection came about because Sir Donald and his wife, Lady Wolfit, once lived in Swift Cottage in Ibthorpe.

It had been hoped, Ronald James said at the ceremony which took place on the 100th anniversary of Sir Donald's birth, to erect the plaque on the cottage but that had not proved possible.

The plaque was unveiled by Margaret Wolfit, an actress who was a member of her father's troupe, watched by her sister, Harriet Graham and brother, Adam Woolfitt.

Six other members of the group who toured with Sir Donald were present, including the well-known actor Frank Thornton who, at the age of 81, is about to start filming another series of Last of the Summer Wine.