Actor Bernard Hill, best known for roles in Titanic and Lord of the Rings, has died aged 79.

He played Captain Edward Smith in the 1997 Oscar-winning James Cameron film Titanic

Another prominent role was as King Théoden in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.

His breakout role was as Yosser Hughes in drama Boys from the Blackstuff.

His agent Lou Coulson confirmed to BBC News that he died in the early hours of this morning.

A statement from his family is expected soon.