Oscar-winning actress Patricia Neal, the gran of Sophie Dahl, has died after a battle with lung cancer. The 84-year-old, who was previously married to children's author Roald Dahl, passed away at her home in Martha's Vineyard on Sunday, surrounded by family. She is understood to have told them: "I have had a lovely time."

In a joint statement, her family yesterday said: "She faced her final illness as she had all of the many trials she endured: with indomitable grace, good humour and a great deal of her selfdescribed stubbornness." Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Patricia won a best actress Academy Award for the 1964 movie Hud alongside Paul Newman. She also appeared in Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Day the Earth Stood Still. She wed children's author Dahl in 1953 and they had five children during a troubled 30-year marriage.