Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Hollywood actress, dies aged 79

The English-American actress, considered one of the great performers of Hollywood's golden age, was born in London on 27 February 1932.

The double Oscar-winner, was was married eight times, had a long history of ill health. Last month she was treated in hospital in Los Angeles for congestive heart failure. In 2009 she had heart surgery.

In a statement her son, Michael Wilding, said: "My Mother was an extraordinary woman who lived life to the fullest, with great passion, humor, and love. Though her loss is devastating to those of us who held her so close and so dear, we will always be inspired by her enduring contribution to our world.

"Her remarkable body of work in film, her ongoing success as a businesswoman, and her brave and relentless advocacy in the fight against HIV/AIDS, all make us all incredibly proud of what she accomplished.

"We know, quite simply, that the world is a better place for Mom having lived in it. Her legacy will never fade, her spirit will always be with us, and her love will live forever in our hearts."