Horror movie legend Ingrid Pitt has died aged 73.

The actress - who famously starred in cult classic 'The Wicker Man' - collapsed on her way to a birthday dinner at a fans' event in London.

She was rushed to hospital and passed away yesterday (24.11.10).

Ingrid's daughter Steffanie Pitt said last night: "It was heart trouble. She had a couple of bad years, health-wise.

"She was a fantastic woman. Anyone who knew my mother would say she was incredibly feisty."

The polish-born beauty - who survived a Nazi concentration camp - started acting in Germany before moving to the UK for her big break in 1968 movie 'Where Eagles Dare' alongside Clint Eastwood and Richard Burton.

She later became dubbed "England's First Lady of Horror" because of her work with legendary studio Hammer Film Productions and her roles in 70s classics such as 'The Vampire Lovers' and 'Countess Dracula'.

Ingrid also appeared in a number of TV shows, including long-running British sci-fi series 'Doctor Who'.

'Wicker Man' director Robin Hardy has paid tribute to her, saying: "She was a very attractive person in every sense.

"She was a perfectly good actress but a very decent person as well."

Daughter Steffanie added she hoped fans would remember her as Countess Dracula with the "wonderful teeth and bosom".