British actor Kenny Baker, who played robot R2-D2 in the Star Wars film franchise, has died aged 81 after a longstanding illness.

He had been cared for by nephew Drew Myerscough, who found him on Saturday morning, after suffering from serious illness during the last few years.

He said  "It was a love and affection that he got from Star Wars fans that kept him going, without any doubt.

"He loved meeting them, he loved receiving letters from them. He was amazed that, even after 30 odd years, the fans still basically adored him.

"He never let his size become an issue. He lived the life of a six foot man."

Baker, who was 3ft 8in tall, first played the robot character in Star Wars: A New Hope in 1977.

His niece, Abigail Shield. said: "He felt very blessed. He obviously enjoyed the time working at Star Wars, it gave him a whole new different view on his disability and it was taken as a positive thing." 

"Unfortunately he was too ill to be part of the new Star Wars films. He was due to fly out to LA (for the most recent premiere) but doctors told him he was too unwell to fly. But he was consulted by certain people,"

He played the resourceful droid he was best known for, Baker also played an Ewok in the Star Wars films. 

He also received a credit in last year's reboot Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Born in 1934, Baker was told by doctors that he was unlikely to live through puberty.

Rio Olympics 2016: Katarina Johnson-Thompson's mum on her 'special' baby

What if your son or daughter, brother or sister were about to play out their childhood dreams before a watching world, the pressure of a nation heaped on their shoulders? They could succeed, yet they could fail. How would you feel?

Here, Tracey Johnson, mother of British heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson(who lies fourth going into day two of the competition), writes a letter to her daughter, to tell her how she feels about the woman and the athlete she has become.

Tracey Johnson's letter to her daughter, Katarina

My dearest daughter Katarina,

When you were a little baby, an old lady took my hand and told me I had been truly blessed, that you were a very special and lucky baby. I thought so too, as every mother does about their own child, but I soon realised just how special you really are.

I wish you all the luck in the world and, whatever happens, know that, as always, I am very proud of you - not just for your athletic achievements but, most importantly, I am proud of the humble, grounded, wonderful woman you have become.

It has been an incredible journey. From my little girl who wanted to escape ballet classes as you preferred playing football with the boys, then watching you at your first school athletics competition, seeing you join Liverpool Harriers and compete in local, and then national, comcompetitions 

You went on to world youth and junior competitions, then the Olympics, London 2012. It was almost surreal, sitting in the crowd watching my own baby girl up there with the entire crowd cheering. It was your dream come true. It was so great to see you achieving your goals. I was overwhelmed with happiness, and I cried with joy.

You have had your ups and downs and I have felt every one of those experiences with you every step of the way. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions, but your dignity when faced with obstacles and humbleness in victory shows such grace and strength of character.

It has been the most wonderful experience watching my little girl grow from school sports day to become an Olympian, bringing the wonderful world of athletics into our lives. Thank you for all the hours of enjoyment.

Johnson-Thompson started athletics after giving up ballet lessons

You have made a lot of sacrifices, especially through your teenage years, but your hard work, belief and determination have got you to Rio, your second Olympics.

I believe this is your time, go out there and give it your best. We will be with you every step of the way! Britain, Liverpool and all your family and friends believe in you and are supporting you.

Love you, my special, lucky baby.

Mum xxx

The beauty of the night is not just the stars, the moon or the silence of the night but rather the joy that tomorrow is coming and you witnessing it. Give thanks to God!
-A.J Broun

I have a problem with the effect of the word liberation. It does mean total freedom but are Humans totally free. Either we under bondage of religion , culture or personal traits of personality, we not liberated. As long as rules and norms  bind you, you not free. It's safe to say liberation does not exist.
-A.J Broun

The beauty of truth is that though it hurts sometimes but it does package reality along for you.
-A.J Broun

The killing and ignorance of your conscience is the beginning of your inhumane nature.
-A.J Broun

A government without the masses is no government at all.
A.J Broun