Actor George Baker, who played Chief Inspector Wexford in television series The Ruth Rendell Mysteries, has died at the age of 80.

The star, from West Lavington, Wiltshire, died of pneumonia following a recent stroke, his daughter Ellie Baker said.

Speaking of her father, shesaid: "He absolutely loved Wexford and he loved being Wexford ... he loved the whole thing. It was a joy to him."

Over a career spanning six decades, the versatile actor starred in countless TV shows including Minder, Bergerac, I, Claudius and more recently New Tricks and Spooks.

He also appeared in around 30 films including The Dam Busters, The Spy Who Loved Me, The Ship That Died of Shame and The 39 Steps. He also formed his own theatre company.

But it is his role as Wexford in the ITV adaptation of Ruth Rendell's books, which ran for 13 years, for which he became best known.

Baker, who was married three times and leaves five daughters, was also a talented writer, penning a cookery book as well as award-winning pieces for radio and television.

His third wife Louie Ramsay died earlier this year. She played his wife Dora in The Ruth Rendell Mysteries.

Baker was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his fundraising activities for his local youth club in West Lavington.