Tributes to role model actress

Joanne was an inspiration to youngsters

Hundreds of mourners are expected at the funeral of a Northampton actress who was a role model to hundreds of youngsters.

Joanne Campbell, 38, will be remembered for her roles on stage and screen.

Her sudden death has devastated her parents, Hedley and Una.

"She was the perfect daughter," Mrs Campbell said.

During her career she starred in many pantomimes, children's programmes, the sitcom Me and My Girl and the Life of Josephine Baker.

Her success in the entertainment industry won her a big following among the black community in her home town.

Fellow actress Judith Jacob said: "I can't believe I'm not going to see that big smile again. If you know Jo you know the smile."

A coroner established that Joanne suffered a deep vein thrombosis.

The funeral is at St Matthew's Church, Northampton.