Thirties film star Roberts dies

Roberts was spotted by a talent scout while singing in a New York nightclub

Beverly Roberts, a film star who acted opposite Humphrey Bogart in the 1930s, has died at the age of 96, a family member has said.

Roberts was contracted to Hollywood's Warner Bros studio, playing tough characters in films including The Singing Kid with Al Jolson.

In 1937 she appeared in the studio's first colour production, God's Country and the Woman.

She left the studio in 1940 and became a big band singer.

From the 1950s, Roberts made a number of appearances on television and radio.

For 25 years until 1975 she was administrator of the Theatre Authority, an organisation providing help to members of the thespian community.

Roberts was unmarried and did not have any children.