TRIBUTES have been paid to inspirational Bradford actress Kitty McGeever who became the first blind actress to be cast in a British soap.

Kitty, who played wayward ex-con Lizzie Lakely in Emmerdale, died on Sunday following an illness, with her family around her, it was announced today.

The actress, who lived in Wyke, has been described as an "inspirational lady" and "great talent" in tributes.

Kitty landed the Emmerdale role - which she described as "the best job ever" - in 2009 after producers saw her one-woman comedy show, Luvvie’s Blind, based on her experiences of losing her sight when she was 33.

The following year she became patron of Bradford performing arts group The New Community Arts Academy (TNCAA), where she took an active role.

"She was an inspirational lady. She was the perfect role model for anyone with visual impairment.

"She was very bubbly. The warmth exuded from her. She had the common touch," said the group's artistic director, Russ Whittingham.

"Kitty talked about fundraising for our group and wanted to bring Emmerdale cast members up to see certain productions, but her filming schedule was hectic.

"She came to see a couple of our productions. I was pleased she became a patron. What a lovely lady she was.

"She had a warm personality and a good heart."

A spokesman for Emmerdale added: "Kitty was a great talent and a true inspiration to all who worked with her. The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us."

Actress Chelsea Halfpenny, who plays Amy Wyatt, said: "So, so saddened by the loss of our lovely Kitty McGeever. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a wonderful, hard-working woman."

The 44-year-old suffered a series of personal tragedies, including the death of her 15-month-old son, Felix, while she was battling to save her sight, which was brought on by illness following pregnancy.

The actress later had a kidney and pancreas transplant, following kidney failure.

"Good people get the bad run of cards," Mr Whittingham said.

Kitty trained at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and and other television roles included Beautiful People and London's Burning.

In 2013 she was among celebrities who helped to launch a Government-backed campaign to promote positive role models for people with disabilities.

Coronation Street writer Jonathan Harvey said: "So sad to hear of the passing of Kitty McGeever. She appeared in my show Beautiful People - such fun to work with."