A ST ALBANS woman has paid tribute to her step-father, well-known screen actor Martin Benson, after his death last month.

Martin Benson, who died at his home in Markyate at 91 on February 28, appeared in more than 150 films and was the only actor to appear in both the stage and the 1956 screen versions of The King and I, playing Kralahome, the king’s vizier.

His step-daughter Sabra Swinson, who lives in Marshalswick, said: "His death was very difficult for me. We were very close - he was more of a father than a step-father.

"As well as his acting work, he had a successful career as a writer and director. For many years he had a flourishing local film studio - he wrote and produced commercial, scientific and medical films for clients like the RSPCA .

"He had a long association with St Albans and Harpenden, being frequently asked to take part in local events as a celebrity.

"He was also a talented artist - he held five one-man exhibitions in London and was featured twice in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition."

Martin Benson's eventful life included capture at Dunkirk in 1940, escape from the Germans and further fighting in Egypt.

As the war was ending he and his sergeant Arthur Lowe, later Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army, converted an empty building in Alexandria into a theatre where King Farouk enjoyed Shakespearean performances.

Martin Benson's many television appearances included The Professionals and Last Of The Summer Wine, while his cinematic roles included Mr Solo in Goldfinger, appearing beside Sean Connery.