Published 13/01/2014

The actress Alexandra Bastedo, who died on Sunday 12 January, had been an active Patron of Compassion in World Farming for over 20 years.

She starred in several films, including the first "Casino Royale", and was best known for her starring role in the 1960s TV sci-fi series "The Champions". She continued to take roles on stage and in TV series as varied as EastEnders and Boon.

She married theatre director Patrick Garland (who died last year) in 1980 and they settled in Sussex. There she was able to fulfil her other great love - caring for animals. She set up a sanctuary to which she was devoted.

She was also a campaigner. Locally she worked with Compassion to oppose a farm where the turkeys were being kept in a greenhouse. She also helped our national campaigns, such as helping with handing in of petitions against the live export trade. In 2011, she gave a charming presentation at our Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards ceremony.

We shall all remember her with affection.