Dame Helen Mirren leaves mark at Grauman's theatre

Helen Mirren has described joining the celebrity hand and foot prints outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood as a "moment of triumph" on a par with winning an Oscar and becoming a dame.

"I've always loved the history of Hollywood," she said as she left her mark outside the Los Angeles landmark.

"It's with incredible pride that I'm here to become a part of that history."

Dame Helen, 65, was joined by Russell Brand - her co-star in upcoming comedy remake Arthur - at Monday's ceremony.

British comic Brand said he felt "hugely honoured" to be involved in her festivities "having spent the last three months utterly ensnared by her charm".

Dame Helen has won a string of awards, including the Oscar, for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen.

The star of stage and screen is well-known for her theatrical performances and for her recurring role as DCI Jane Tennison in Prime Suspect.

Next month she will be seen on US television hosting an episode of long-running comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live.