The death has been announced of an actor known as the master of horror.

Veteran actor Sir Christopher Lee, whose name was synonymous with Elstree-filmed Hammer Horror films, died on Sunday at Chelsea and Westminster hospital after he was admitted with respiratory problems and heart failure.

The 93-year-old, who appeared in more than 250 movies, worked at Elstree Studios in Shenley Road, Borehamwood, on films including The Curse of Frankenstein, Dracula, The Devil Rides Out, Taste the Blood of Dracula and Scars of Dracula.

He also appeared as Count Dooku in the Star Wars films Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, parts of which were filmed at Elstree.

Elstree studios historian and Borehamwood Times columnist Paul Welsh said: "Lee could stake a claim to making more film appearances in his lengthy career than any other British actor. His credits reached back to the late 1940s and he was one of the only actors to work at five different studios in Borehamwood from the 1950s onwards.

"In 2008 he was honoured with a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Elstree Studios. Although that acknowledged his past work, Lee amazingly went on to become famous to a new generation with his screen roles in the new Star Wars and Lord of the Rings movies.

"Although Lee was cited as the last horror star he actually enjoyed a wide variety of roles, embracing comedy, science fiction, drama and even a Western, as well as releasing records as he was a talented singer.

"He will be forever remembered for the films he made for Hammer from the 1950s to the 1970s. Although his relationship with that company was often fraught, it launched him to worldwide fame."