TRIBUTES have been paid to a Gwynedd-born actress who was a prominent face on screen, stage and radio. 

Christine Pritchard, who was born in Caernarfon and was "immensely proud" of her ‘Cofi' roots, died aged 79 on February 14. 

The former Ysgol Syr Huw Owen pupil was involved in some of S4C's most popular productions. She played characters in series such as Glas y Dorlan, Dinas, Pobol y Cwm, Pris y Farchnad, Talcen Caled and more recently, Un Bore Mercher and 35 Awr.

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Generations of Welsh children will fondly remember her as the popular character Rala Rwdins.

North Wales Chronicle: Christine was known for her work on tv, theatre and radio.Christine was known for her work on tv, theatre and radio. (Image: Gerallt Llywelyn. Permission granted by Theatr Bara Caws.)

Betsan Llwyd, artistic director at community theatre company, Theatr Bara Caws, said: "Welsh theatre lost one of its leading lights with the passing of Christine Pritchard who was a prominent face not only on our stages, but also on television and radio.

"Born in Caernarfon - and immensely proud of her ‘Cofi' roots - she began her career when still in school, being invited to join Wilbert Lloyd Robert’s rep company in Bangor. She then went on to study English at Bristol University before qualifying as a teacher and was probably one of the first graduates to join the VSO spending a year on the island of St Kitts in the Caribbean. She taught for a short time in London before returning to Wales where her hugely successful and varied career began.

"She worked with all the leading theatre companies in Wales, including Theatr yr Ymylon, Cwmni Theatr Cymru, Dalier Sylw, Bara Caws, and with Theatr Pena, of whom she was a founder member. She was also a much-loved face in the Welsh media, playing prominent roles in series such as Dinas, Talcen Caled, Rala Rwdins, 35 Diwrnod and Cara Fi. Her commitment to her craft and her work ethic were second to none. Never one to rest on her laurels she never stopped questioning and exploring to ensure the best performance possible, and we at Bara Caws were thrilled when she came back to work with us on Dim Byd Ynni, our production at the National Eisteddfod in Anglesey."

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Betsan first saw Christine on stage in Blodeuwedd back in the late 1970s.

"I was still a schoolgirl but even at that young age was struck by her charismatic presence," Betsan said.

"As my own career developed, I was fortunate enough to work with her on numerous occasions, both on stage and screen, and spent many entertaining hours in her company ‘off duty’. She was the first person to make me appreciate the true meaning of Carpe Diem - an invaluable lesson - and everyone who knew her will attest to her friendliness, her zest for life and her great sense of humour.

"Though we had exchanged texts and cards recently, the last time I saw her was having and al fresco lunch in the village, dressed immaculately in white linen and happily sipping a mimosa - an image I will treasure.

"Christine was one of those unique people one is sometimes lucky enough to encounter in life whose company, kindness and special brand of charisma will be remembered forever, and we send much love to Angharad and Peter and the family."

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Paying tribute to Christine on behalf of S4C, Sian Doyle, chief executive, said: "It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of actress Christine Pritchard. Her talent was enormous.

"Her talent on screen and on stage was priceless and she will be greatly missed.

"Our thoughts are with Christine's family and friends, and we thank her for her outstanding contribution to various S4C productions over many years."