Image caption Gough was best known for playing Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman films

British actor Michael Gough, best known for playing Bruce Wayne's butler Alfred in Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher's Batman films, has died aged 94.

The actor had not been well for the past year and passed away at home surrounded by family, his agent said.

Gough appeared in more than 150 films and TV shows during his 65-year career.

He continued to work with Burton in Sleepy Hollow and providing voices in Corpse Bride and last year's Alice in Wonderland.

"Tim Burton was a huge fan of Mick from the Hammer Horror films of the 60s, so he tried very hard to include him in everything he did," said Gough's agent.

"We've lost a very treasured and beloved friend and somebody who made a magnificent contribution to the world of theatre and films," she added.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Gough started his career in the 1946 television movie Androcles and the Lion.

Image caption Gough starred as the Celestial Toymaker in a 1965 episode of Doctor Who opposite William Hartnell

In the early 1960s he starred in a number of TV series including The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Count of Monte Christo and The Saint.

The next two decades saw him appear in more cult series including The Avengers, The Champions, Colditz and Blake's 7.

He was also known to Doctor Who fans after appearing in a 1965 episode entitled The Celestial Toymaker.

But Gough will be best remembered for his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the four-film Batman franchise, starring opposite Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer and George Clooney.

He is survived by his fourth wife, Henrietta, daughter Emma and sons Simon and Jasper.