People are being invited to pay their respects to the actor who brought the fictional Oxford detective, Inspector Morse, to life.

A book of condolence for people to pay tribute to John Thaw, who died last Thursday aged 60, has been opened in Oxford's Randolph hotel.

Members of the public and hotel guests can sign the book in the Morse Bar, which was named after the screen detective when it was refurbished four months ago.

Opening the book was the idea of bar manager Ailish Hurley, who looked after the cast and crew of the series when they stayed at the Randolph hotel over the last 13 years.

Miss Hurley said: "John Thaw was a very kind, caring and shy man, who was really nice to look after. He was well liked by everyone at the hotel and we will all miss him very much."

When complete, the condolence book will be sent to Mr Thaw's family.

Miss Hurley played a cameo role in the last episode of Inspector Morse, The Remorseful Day.