Image caption Sheridan voiced Trillian in the 1978 radio series of The Hitchhiker's Guide

Susan Sheridan, an original cast member of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy radio series, has died aged 68.

Sheridan provided the voice of the character Trillian and also voiced Princess Elionwy in the Disney animation The Black Cauldron.

Actress Susan Penhaligon tweeted a tribute, saying "My dear, dear friend Susan Sheridan has died peacefully at home. We'll miss your amazing spirit and giggles Sue."

Sheridan also worked as a vocal coach.

Actor Tim Bentinck, who stars in BBC Radio 4's The Archers, also tweeted, saying: "So sad to hear that my dear friend and colleague Sue Sheridan has died. A wonderful, brave, kind person, and a brilliant actress. Miss you x".

Sheridan was born in Newcastle and attended Brigidine Convent, an independent day school in Windsor before going on to train at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she won the Malvern Prize for comedy.

Image caption Sheridan (centre) joined her former castmates at a reunion performance last year

In 1978, she landed the part of Trillian, the object of Arthur Dent's affections in Douglas Adams' original Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy BBC Radio 4 series.

Producer Dirk Maggs wrote: "Deeply saddened that our dear@susietwoshoe Susan Sheridan - Trillian in Hitchhiker's - has died peacefully at home."

Sheridan was replaced by actress Sandra Dickinson in a 1981 television adaptation

She won a starring role in the 1985 Disney film the Black Cauldron, providing vocal work alongside Nigel Hawthorne and John Hurt. The movie was, at the time, the most expensive animated film ever made though it was not critically well-received.

Sheridan went on to provide her voice to a number of other animations, including Moomin and Noddy's Toyland Adventures.

In 2011, she starred in an adaptation of the Japanese animation Howl's Moving Castle at the Southwark Playhouse in London.

She is survived by her husband, musician Max Brittain and three daughters.